Rehabilitation programme for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
| Pages | 88-92 |
| Published date | 22 June 2012 |
| Date | 22 June 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17465721211236435 |
| Author | Fiona Ellis |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Case study
Rehabilitation programme for adult
survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Fiona Ellis
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.
Keywords Disclosure, Childhood sexual abuse, Self-esteem, Women, Sexual harassment, Group work,
Therapists
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
It is thought that as many as one in four women and one in six men have suffered a type of
sexual abuse during childhood and in many cases, the pain and perceived stigma of
childhood sexual abuse (CSA) will lead to a pattern of mental health problems, alcohol and
substance dependency and dysfunctional relationships.
The Butterfly Programme for female survivors and the IT programme for men have been
meticulously written by experts and health professionals to maximise the effects and
long-term benefits for adults who have taken the often very difficult decision to disclose their
experiences in order to find help.
The Butterfly Programme is an eight-week therapeutic group programme for female adult
survivors of historic CSA. The structured programme was written in conjunction, with the
input and endorsement of a number of professionals, including a chartered clinical
psychologist, a social worker and two experienced counsellors. There has also been a
reference group of adult survivors of child sexual abuse to ensure that the survivor’s point of
PAGE 88
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JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH
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VOL. 11 NO. 2 2012, pp. 88-92, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729 DOI 10.1108/17465721211236435
Fiona Ellis is based at Clarifi
Consulting, Ipswich, UK.
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