@article{ref1, title="Exploring mental health adjustment of children post sexual assault in South Africa", journal="Journal of child sexual abuse", year="2013", author="Mathews, Shanaaz and Abrahams, Naeemah and Jewkes, Rachel", volume="22", number="6", pages="639-657", abstract="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 center. 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, we 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.

Language: en

", language="en", issn="1053-8712", doi="10.1080/10538712.2013.811137", url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2013.811137" }