Sexual Abuse The Richochet Effect Abuse in the Extended Family Revealed

By Joan Pickett, LPC

Joan Pickett, LPC

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Sexual Abuse The Richochet Effect Abuse in the Extended Family Revealed

When a long-held secret regarding sexual abuse by a member of an extended family is finally revealed, the effects can put the whole family system in crisis. Often the victim, realizing the potential for this family reaction, has tried for many years to keep silent in order to protect the family.

This can go on for decades, so that when the victim seeks therapy it is often for help with a problem he or she believes to be totally separate, such as substance abuse, chronic anger or anxiety problems.

Often after a few sessions the sexual abuse will be shared with the therapist, along with the family dynamic surrounding the victimizing member of the extended family and why revealing the trauma within the family would be disastrous.

How the situation is handled becomes crucial. First the therapist works with the victim to help him or her understand the ways in which this experience has affected various aspects of life marriage or love life, education and career path, and the ability to parent his/her own children.

Once the patient is able to gain some perspective and to work on changing some dysfunctional behaviors, it often becomes essential that he/she reveal what has happened to ensure that this terrible victimization does not happen to anyone else in the family or elsewhere.

This revelation is frightening and cathartic for the victim, and also is necessary for the family to decide on what actions to take and not take. Typically the bottom line is to ensure that the perpetrator be reported to the appropriate authorities so that they can take the right measures to protect the community.

Once the patient is feeling secure and filled with satisfaction that he/she has done the courageous thing, the therapy can continue to address unresolved issues and bring the patient to self-acceptance and joy in life.