Interventions for families victimized by child sexual abuse: Clinical issues and approaches for child advocacy center-based services

Child sexual abuse poses serious mental health risks, not only to child victims but also to non-offending family members. As the impact of child sexual abuse is heterogeneous, varied mental health interventions should be available in order to ensure that effective and individualized treatments are implemented. Treatment modalities for child victims and non-offending family members are identified and described. The benefits of providing on-site mental health services at Child Advocacy Centers to better triage and provide care are discussed through a description of an existing Child Advocacy Center-based treatment program. Recommendations for research and clinical practice are provided.

Research Highlights► Child sexual abuse poses serious mental health risks for victims and families. ► Varied mental health interventions should be available. ► Treatment modalities for child victims and their family members are described. ► Mental health services at Child Advocacy Centers serve to triage and provide care. ► Recommendations for research and clinical practice are provided.