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Exploring mental health adjustment of children post sexual assault in South Africa
- Authors:
- MATHEWS Shanaaz, ABRAHAMS Naeemah, JEWKES Rachel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 22(6), 2013, pp.639-657.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Large numbers of children are affected by child sexual abuse in South Africa. This study aimed to assess psychological adjustment of children post sexual assault. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with caretakers, and structured interviews using mental health assessment screening tools were given to children at three intervals over a five-month period after presentation at a sexual assault centre. Almost half of the children met clinical criteria for anxiety, and two-thirds met criteria for full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder two to four weeks post disclosure. With standard care, the authors observed some recovery; 43.3% of children still met full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder nearly six months postdisclosure. Our findings indicate that current practice in South Africa does not promote adequate recovery for children. (Publisher abstract)