Life-long Effects of Child Sexual Trauma - In Drawings - Paperback

by Abpp Viola B. Mecke Ph. D. (Author)

Seldom have the long-term effects of sexual or other trauma been traced throughout the life of a traumatized person. This article presents the drawings of a sexually abused child, with pictures the child drew before the abuse and afterwards. A follow-up at age 45 is included. The drawings show the horror following the abuse and the gradual recovery of childhood. The defenses that developed following the trauma show the desperate, often maladaptive attempts to readjust. The drawings suggest that to a certain extend children can recover and resume an apparently normal life. However, effects linger throughout their lifetime, affecting their personality and everyday behaviors.

Author Biography

Viola Mecke, PH.D., ABPP is a clinical psychologist with over forty years' experience in clinical practice with children. She is a clinical professor emerita (adjunct) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University Medical School and an emerita Professor at the East Bay California State University. Her specialty has been working with children and families during times of crises and trauma.