Understanding and Responding to Childhood Sexual Abuse

Research shows ( Darkness to Light White Paper on Prevalence) that one in seven girls and one in 25 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Many by people they know, love and trust. Evidence of abuse is not always obvious and children and adolescents do not report they have been abused for many reasons. Today we are going to lift the silence on childhood sexual abuse to offer an understanding and response to its impact. Toward this goal we are so fortunate to be joined by RICHARD BECK, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAGPA an experienced psychotherapist with expertise in treating trauma working with individuals, couples and groups. Richard has not only responded to cases of sexual abuse, as a Senior Lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work has taught “ Treatment of Childhood Sexual Abuse” over twenty-four times. In our discussion today, Richard Beck will be addressing the reasons victims most often don’t report the abuse, the consequences of the Childhood Sexual Abuse on children and adolescents, the signs that might alert caregivers that abuse may have occurred and the rupture of trust and self-blame when a child or teen is victimized by a coach, physician or priest revered by the family.