By Maya Rosales | Youth Services Coordinator
This month, Fair Haven RCC had the opportunity to present the “Child Sexual Abuse” Healing Model to the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault. We were able to share this information with many other rape crisis centers across the state. This model includes four stages of healing, five domains of functioning, and six enabling factors that support progression from one stage to the next. I will not ask you to read an entire research article, but I do encourage everyone working with children and adult survivors of CSA to review this theoretical framework, as it offers valuable insights into how we can most effectively serve survivors of CSA.
How does our agency support adolescent victims in progressing through their healing? We do this in various ways as professionals, but it does not require specialized training to "start by believing." The foundation of healing for a CSA survivor is positive and affirming communication. Society often places blame on victims through familial messages, media, and other channels. The most impactful support you can provide is to believe the survivor and reassure them that it was not their fault. While it may seem simple, this approach is fundamental. As victim advocates, our role is to empower clients to internalize these affirming messages.
Supporting adolescents also involves creating a safe space for them to express difficult emotions. Often, we are our clients’ primary source of support. We strive to provide environments where they can use art, literature, and peer connections as tools for healing. I recall a client I met at the hospital after her assault—she was deeply broken at the time. After a year of receiving services, she has made significant progress and now serves as a role model for new clients engaging in support group. I believe she would not be in this positive position today without receiving those initial affirming words.
I encourage everyone reading this to explore the existing research supporting survivors. Additionally, if possible, please consider donating to help sustain our efforts in assisting teens as they heal from CSA. Thank you for taking the time to read this report and for all the support given!
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