These children have learned:
- The world is unstable and unsafe
- Violence solves problems
- Love is painful
- People sometimes deserve to be hit
- I have to be in control
Effects of Sexual Abuse on Children:
Sexual Abuse as it relates to children includes touches from fondling up to intercourse. Sexual abuse may be a single incident or may be a repeated event done over a period of time. Sexual abuse to children is devastating and may have lifelong effects on the child and the family. There are many ways to help and parents/guardians can begin by supporting, listening and believing their child.
Children who have experienced sexual abuse may be:
-
Lonely and Isolated
-
Angry
-
Anxious
-
Having nightmares
-
Confused
-
Guilt ridden
-
Overly Mature
-
Having difficulty setting limits
-
Depressed
-
Have low self-esteem
These children have learned:
1. I am powerless
2. People who love me, hurt me
3. I caused sexual abuse
4. Sex is the only way I can get close to another person
5. I am not worthy of respect
At home, children need:
1. Safety
2. Structure and Limits
3. Consistency in routines, discipline, etc.
4. Acceptance of thoughts, feelings and perceptions
5. Physical and emotional boundaries
6. Choices
7. Quality family time
8. Freedom from adult responsibilities and concerns
9. Flexibility
10. Parental involvement in services
Friends of the Family can provide much-needed help to children affected by relationship violence or sexual assault.
Services for Children and Adolescents:
Counseling is available to children and adolescents, ages 3-17, who have been victims and/or witnesses of
relationship violence (physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse) or sexual assault on a case by case basis.
Counseling services help build self-esteem, teach new coping skills, and provide a safe environment to
process traumatic experiences. Counseling involves building trust by going at the child's pace,
letting the child choose what to say and when, and accepting the child and his or her perception of the world.
How to enroll your child/adolescent in counseling services:
- Call DCFOF 940.387.5131 to schedule an intake appointment. When attending the intake, bring in any applicable divorce decrees/temporary orders from the court that outlines parent/guardian ability to consent for counseling services for child.
- Parent/guardian will receive more information about availability of counseling for child within two (2) weeks from the intake appointment.
- Parent/guardian can begin attending parent support group as soon as they have completed an intake. Parent/guardian is required to attend a minimum of 4 parent support groups in order for the child to receive counseling. At the parent support group, parents will receive information about the effects of relationship violence/sexual assault on children, learn specific skills and be supported by other parents who may be experiencing similar difficulties.
Counseling services available include:
- Play therapy/Activity therapy - helping children express themselves through toys and activities.
- Adolescent Counseling - helping adolescents express themselves through talk or activities.
- Group Counseling - in which children join with other children or siblings to explore related issues (groups may be activity, talk to play-therapy based).
- Family Counseling - in a case by case basis, exploring issues related to relationship between parent/guardian.
- Parent Consultations - in which caregivers discuss their child's progress and needs, learn new parenting skills and receive support and resources, usually once a month throughout their child's counseling process.
