Rehabilitation programme for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of group therapy programmes for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), looking specifically at The Butterfly Programme, an eight week programme of healing that uses various therapeutic methods, to show how women who have experienced a form of CSA and remain deeply affected, can become more empowered through group therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

By looking at venues where the programme can be delivered and where disclosure may occur, the report provides further statistics on how women survivors are affected into adulthood. Information is given on the emotional benefits of group therapy, the structure of the programme and how survivors take an active role by working closely with the facilitator.

Findings

Through questionnaires, completed at the beginning and end of the programme the effectiveness of the programme is assessed with improvements in self‐esteem measured against the Rosenberg self‐esteem scale, a reliable ten‐item, self‐report measure of global self‐esteem. Data taken from 59 women demonstrate the positive effects of group therapy.

Originality/value

The report shows how The Butterfly Programme enables women to address difficult emotions associated with their experience of CSA, helping them to reduce their dependency on “peripheral” medical services, and instead assists them to improve their education and employment prospects as well as improving their personal relationships.

Citation

Ellis, F. (2012), "Rehabilitation programme for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 88-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/17465721211236435