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  • Title: [Incest and sexual abuse. A retrospective study of 285 persons referred to ambulatory treatment of the consequences of incest and sexual abuse].
    Author: Thestrup G.
    Journal: Ugeskr Laeger; 2001 Nov 26; 163(48):6751-5. PubMed ID: 11768901.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: The aim was to describe a cohort of 285 persons referred to the Department of Psychotherapy, Aarhus University Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of all consecutively referred persons, interviewed and assessed by the author over a six-year period, when treatment of the psychological consequences of sexual abuse was available. RESULTS: A total of 285 persons were referred from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1995, with complaints of psychological and social consequences of previous sexual abuses. A written invitation to attend a one-hour interview was sent at least twice with information about the questions that would be raised. Only 145 (51%) came for the interview. Of these 141 were women and four were men with an average age of 33.5 years. The time elapse between the sexual abuse and referral was 11 to 23 years. The sexual abuse started most commonly at the age of 4-6 years and ended before the age of 15 years. Seventy-five percent of the sexual abuse occurred within the family and the commonest form was sexual touching (30%), whereas 20% were exposed to intercourse. Of the 145 persons suffering from sexual abuse, the police were informed in 12 cases, but only five cases went to court. DISCUSSION: This retrospective study looks at the pattern of sexual abuse and its consequences. Very few are referred to our National Health Service for treatment and only half of those referred turn up. Many years have passed since the sexual abuse ended and the psychological and social consequences have become so severe as to wish referral. The psychological consequences are a feeling of insecurity, anxiety, guilt, and shame and an inability to establish normal psychological relations with other persons. Many live alone without a job or an education. Treatment options seem mandatory.
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