Resiliency Among Children Who Are Victims of Child Sexualized Abuse and What Schools Can Do to Help

Abstract

Childhood sexualized abuse (CSA) has been shown to be related to numerous psychological and behavioral difficulties. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are some struggles that victims experience as a result of this violent crime; however, some victims suffer longer, and in more profound ways than others. The purpose of this study is to examine what factors contribute to a victim’s circumstances of resiliency in the aftermath of their violent attack in comparison to those who suffer for longer periods of time and sometimes a lifetime as a result of their experiences. The research will examine CSA victims and the conditions that contribute to their resiliency while examining current practices in schools and how children are treated. It will also explore social emotional learning embedded in trauma sensitive schooling as best teaching practice so that CSA victims are not marginalized but rather have as great a chance to succeed and create resiliency compared to their peers who did not suffer from a violent sexualized attack.