Caregivers' perceptions of desensitisation among sexually abused children
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Society on the Abuse of Children (SAPSAC)
Abstract
Children react differently to the traumatic experience of sexual abuse. Some children develop symptomatic
behaviours associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as apathy, which may be misinterpreted as
desensitisation. Others appear less affected by the sexual abuse and may be regarded as desensitised and
possessing resilience. Incongruence thus exists, as the one may be taken incorrectly for the other. This study has explored caregivers' perceptions of desensitisation among the children in their care who had
been sexually abused in the past. The study is explorative and descriptive in nature and grounded in a qualitative
design. Purposive sampling was used to form three focus groups (17 participants). Data collection took place by
means of focus groups with the aid of an interview guide. Collected data was transcribed and subjected to
thematic analysis. The findings were written up, presented and discussed. The findings are recommended to be
used to inform social workers and other members of the helping professions on how to approach and interact in
the future with caregivers of sexually abused children.
Description
Keywords
Desensitisation, PTSD, Childhood sexual abuse, Caregivers
Citation
Grobbelaar, R. & de Jager, M. (2013). Caregivers’ perceptions of desensitisation among sexually abused Children. Child Abuse Research in South Africa, 14(1): 55 – 66