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- Title
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.
- Authors
Haverkamp, Beth; Daniluk, Judith C.
- Abstract
The article examines the primary ethical problems faced by therapists working with families in which child abuse is suspected or has occurred. Estimates of the incidence of childhood sexual abuse range from 15% to 22% for female children and 3% to 8% for male children or higher, depending on the definition of abuse and the method of data collection. In this paper, the primary ethical problems faced by marital and family therapists working with families in which child sexual abuse is suspected or has occurred are examined. The sexual abuse of children is most frequently perpetrated by males upon females, with stepfather or biological father/daughter molestation being the most commonly reported form of abuse. Promoting client autonomy is a central goal of psychotherapy, as it implies "the maximization of the individual's ability to choose freely and competently how to conduct his or her life." The principle of self-interest reflects the moral and ethical responsibility of self-knowledge, self-improvement, self-protection, and self-care. When therapists fail to attend to their own legitimate interests or are unaware of their beliefs and limitations, their needs and values may indirectly interfere with their treatment decisions.
- Subjects
CHILD sexual abuse; CHILD abuse; ETHICAL problems; FAMILY therapists; SOCIAL psychology; DOMESTIC violence
- Publication
Family Relations, 1993, Vol 42, Issue 2, p134
- ISSN
0197-6664
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/585445