The underlying needs and subconscious dynamics of a sexually abused female child : an educational psychological perspective

D.Ed.The underlying dynamics of Cases A and B have been integrated into a comprehensive description in this chapter. The cross case analysis allowed the researcher to determine the similarities and differences in these two cases. These research findings were then verified against a detailed literature control. The research, as verified by current literature, shows that women who were sexually abused as children all suffer from an Identity Problem. Most literature on the treatment of sexual abuse victims stresses the need to address the women's low selfesteem. Yet, the treatment is geared at her present low self-esteem believed to be a result of the abuse. The research findings agree that sexually abused women have low self-esteem, although their Identity Problem is not a result of the abuse, but an intensification of an already present low self-esteem and Identity Problem. The research findings indicate that their Identity Problems started before the abuse, as early as in the womb. The present Identity Problem renders the young girl more vulnerable to the abuse. The treatment of women who were sexually abused as children should be aimed at reconstructing their Identity's and specifically at treating the root cause of the problem, which is not the abuse itself. Women who were sexually abused as children are prone to feelings of worthlessness and responsibility. Powered by their Identity Problem, a Spiritual Walking Zombie Syndrome develops. Sexually abused women have an overwhelming sense of being responsible for others. And if they cannot keep others happy, which is impossible, they feel like failures and think they are worthless. The feeling of being responsible starts before the sexual violation and the abuse only intensifies these feelings. The research finds that sexual abuse can be a physical, subconscious threat to a person. Subconscious reactions to life threatening incidents differ from individual to individual. If one has accepted death one tends to act dead-like. On the other hand, if one expects death one lives in fear of dying and life is full of disasters. The research also finds that as a result of pre-natal and early childhood experiences, sexually abused women tend to act immaturely when compared to their chronological age. Their immaturity is evident in their dress, their constant self-rejection and by their dysfunctional relationships. From the research findings it is clear that each individual plays out her own life script. This life script determines how she reacts to herself and her environment. Women who were sexually abused as children have a similar life script, which in turn makes them more prone to abuse. Sexually abused women deny themselves the right to be themselves. Their perceived shameful existence, of relegating themselves, starts prior to the abuse. Treatment should therefore address these destructive life scripts and not treat the presenting symptoms. Chapter 7 proposes recommendations for the treatment and prevention of sexual abuse