@article{ref1,
title="Exploring mental health adjustment of children post sexual assault in South Africa",
journal="Journal of child sexual abuse",
year="2013",
author="Mathews, Shanaaz and Abrahams, Naeemah and Jewkes, Rachel",
volume="22",
number="6",
pages="639-657",
abstract="Large numbers of children are affected by child sexual abuse in South Africa. This study aimed to assess psychological adjustment of children post sexual assault. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with caretakers, and structured interviews using mental health assessment screening tools were given to children at three intervals over a five-month period after presentation at a sexual assault center. Almost half of the children met clinical criteria for anxiety, and two-thirds met criteria for full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder two to four weeks post disclosure. With standard care, we observed some recovery; 43.3% of children still met full symptom post-traumatic stress disorder nearly six months postdisclosure. Our findings indicate that current practice in South Africa does not promote adequate recovery for children.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1053-8712",
doi="10.1080/10538712.2013.811137",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2013.811137"
}