Overlooked Issues Relevant in Sexual Abuse.

This paper presents clinical observations, experiences, and interventions from group psychotherapy when the main theme was molestation/sexual abuse. The findings presented are a synthesis of experiences in three areas: (1) the difficulty patients encounter when trying to disconnect with the negative effects of sexual abuse; (2) assessment and overlooked identification of co-existent issues that have hampered final resolution; and (3) techniques used to support closure of the sexual abuse and related issues. More commonly reported effects of sexual abuse are noted, including poor self-image, perpetrator behavior/acts of violence, promiscuity, poor sexual relationships, and difficulty with intimacy. Other overlooked issues in the sexually abused patient population also are identified and recurrent themes present in persons with sexual abuse histories are discussed in the areas of obesity, the use of substances, cultural sexual practices, gender identification issues, learning problems, and the fear of success. Intervention techniques are suggested that may help address the problems posed by these often overlooked issues. The interventions suggested are designed to help survivors resolve and bring closure to their negative life experiences. (NB)