SEXUAL ISSUES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE FORUM ARCHIVE
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Re: Child Sexual Abuse Treatment
Sean M. Benedict · 3/30/00 at 1:27 pm ET
Bravo!
It is sometimes so difficult to talk about this, even with other professionals, because you instantly become labeled as "not caring about children" or "colluding with the abuser". I appreciate the courage it takes to make this stand in public, in front of your peers.
When I worked in a JSO program, I was taught the "method" for addressing these issues. Confronting denial, cognitive distortions, etc. Most of the boys really needed help, but I was constantly questioning the assumptions of the treatment model, of course, to no avail. Charitably, I was labeled a "humanistic presence" in this program. Sometimes, my co-workers were not so generous. I lasted 9 months until I resigned.
An excellent topic might be the expansion of the sexual abuse treatment industry, which has exploded over the last 20 years. I think some of their practices are questionable, both in terms of effectiveness and client rights.
Lastly, we all know that sexual attitudes change from time to time and place to place. There are still places where it is "normal" for a mother to lull her son to sleep by sucking on his penis. In the US, of course, you'd be arrested. Some countries still believe a clitorectomy is "normal". These are cultural values, not objective reality.
Coersion in any activity is a violation of a person's rights. I'm clear on that. I believe we need to tread carefully when we get into judgments about what is "normal".
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