Policy Options for Women with Co-Existing Sexual Abuse Trauma and Mental Health Problems

Christine Watson

Sexual abuse has been, until recently, invisible. This invisibility had its antecedents in the nature of the abuse, the structure of society and the victims’ lack of ability to create a platform to bring it to notice.

This paper examines the prevalence and impact of childhood sexual abuse, and the responses of the main health agencies involved with its treatment. The health system has responded to survivors of sexual abuse in various ways, from (historically) denial, to paying limited attention. The recognition of sexual abuse as a claimable injury by ACC went far to legitimate sexual abuse claims and provide for treatment possibilities. Nevertheless, there is much evidence that women with histories of sexual abuse and co-existing mental health problems have particular needs that are not being met in the current set of treatment arrangements.

This paper discusses three options for providing a better levels of services: (1) the status quo, (2) developing a separate team, (3) and integrating sexual abuse treatment into existing services. The options are measured against the Core Services Committee guidelines.

The paper concludes that the integrated service option has the greatest potential for meeting these criteria, and finishes with a set of recommendations.