A 1-year Program to Treat Children Who Have Been Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

A 1-year Program to Treat Children Who Have Been Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Our goal in this study is examine if a program designed to decrease the severity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in sexually abused children between the ages of 8-12 was effective.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of sexual abuse
• Aged 8 - 12 years
• Developmentally able to be on-site in a "camp-like" treatment facility for 3 weeks with their parent/guardian (or without if family is not available to join the child at the Be Brave Ranch)
• Able to perform skills of daily living for self care
• Good physical health

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe mental health issues including (but not limited to):
• Recent suicide attempt
• History of psychosis
• History of significant self-harm
• History of homicidal thoughts or actions
• History of violent behaviours sufficient to be considered a threat to others
• Acute eating disorder.
• Significant risk of absconding, or history of absconding
• Serious behavioural problems
• Significant use of drugs or alcohol
• History of sexual violence or sexual behaviour towards others
• Any significant interaction with the justice system or police
• Cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment benefits
• Medical conditions that are not stable
• Severe medical conditions