Sexual Violence and Trauma in Childhood: A Case Report Based on Strategic Counseling

Abstract

Children and adolescents are too often victims of sexual abuse and harassment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 150 million girls and 73 million children <18 have been victims of violence and sexual exploitation during their childhood. Data show that females are more likely to be a victim of abuse and violence than males (20% vs. 5–10%). Such abuses lead to long-term psychophysical and relational consequences and victims are often afraid of asking for support from both parents and professionals. This case report shows the story of a 17-year-old adolescent, Sara, involved by her mother in a strategic counseling process, to solve BDSM-type sexual addiction (slavery and discipline, domination and submission, sadism and masochism), self-aggressive behavior, and alcohol abuse issues. The strategic counseling process is structured in 15 sessions and was based on problem-solving techniques and corrective behavioral strategies. During the sessions, it emerged that Sara had been a victim of sexual violence at the age of 6 and that she had never talked about the rape with anyone. At the age of 12, she began to experience social anxiety and shame, feelings that led her to use alcohol and seek violent sexual partners and bondage relationships. During the counseling sessions, Sara elaborated on her trauma, becoming more aware of her resources and her desires, and she learned to manage the sense of guilt and shame associated with the violence suffered, through alternative strategies. At the end of the process, Sara normalized her relationship with sex and alcohol, regaining her identity.

Socially Dangerous Sexual Paraphilias: Description of the Problem

“…According to some authors, 80% of those who suffer sexual abuse in childhood develop compulsive sexual behaviour and sexual addiction in adulthood. These authors also note that poor family relationships in childhood lead to the development of uncontrolled sexual behaviour in adulthood (Saladino et al, 2021). Sex offenders were found to have problems with empathy and perception of other people's emotions.…”

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief symptoms in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

“…The sudden and unexpected loss of a beloved one (e.g., due to murder, suicide, abuse, terrorism, war, pandemics, or natural disasters) can be followed by the development of grief and trauma symptomatology that impair the global functioning and the normal grieving process of individuals (Brown et al, 2019; Dorsey et al, 2020; O’Donnell et al, 2014; Saladino et al, 2021; Salloum & Overstreet, 2008). Grief- and trauma-related symptoms have been conceptualized with several expressions, such as traumatic, complicated, persistent, complex, unresolved, disabling, and prolonged grief/bereavement (Allen et al, 2012; Cohen et al, 2002).…”

Reflections on Recidivism and Relapse Prevention among Italian Justice-Involved Juveniles: A General Overview

“…For instance, the so-called family-based approach to therapy, such as multidimensional family therapy (Liddle et al 2011), is based on the implementation of positive interaction among family members. Also, brief strategic family therapy supports personal skills and new coping capacities among juveniles with behavioral issues (Saladino et al 2021b).…”