Treating Sexually Abused Children and Their Families

Abstract

This article addresses the ethical issues and dilemmas that clinical practitioners confront when providing services to sexually abused children and their families. The differences between the roles of forensic evaluator and treating therapist are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on the ethical dilemmas related to role boundaries, confidentiality, therapeutic alliance, and court testimony. The position adopted throughout the article is that therapists for sexually abused children should avoid becoming involved in legal/forensic matters because of the inherent conflict associated with these different roles. Recent guidelines promulgated by professional organizations that have a bearing on these issues are discussed. Concrete and practical strategies that clinicians can utilize when dealing with these issues are offered.

Keywords

sexual abuse children adolescents ethical legal role conflict

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