“Abby”

Situation

Abby is an 11 year-old girl who was sexually and physically abused by a family member. Initially, Abby was very fearful about the perpetrator returning to harm her because she disclosed the ongoing abuse. She suffered from sleeplessness, nightmares, fear of leaving her family, and difficulty in social functioning at school. She also expressed lots of self-blame for the abuse.

How Friends of the KCAC Helped

After disclosing the sexual abuse, she began seeing a therapist through the Friends of the KCAC program. At first, Abby was apprehensive about talking to the therapist, but within a few sessions she began to open up. She responded well to treatment and showed dramatic improvement. With counseling in a supportive and nutruring environment, she has been able to deal with the trauma of sexual and physical abuse.

“Ben”

Situation

Ben is a male teenager who was raped by a stranger.  The offender was apprehended and criminally charged for the crime. Ben had frequent nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the rape itself, and feelings of isolation and overwhelming fear.  He was terrified of encountering the offender in court and was frightened for his safety during and after the trial.

How Friends of the KCAC Helped

Ben began therapy through Friends of the KCAC program to help him with the trauma of the sexual assault and the stresses of the criminal trial. The Friends therapist worked with Ben to help him deal with his fears and distrust.  Although the process was lengthy and difficult, with therapy Ben, was able to cope with the trauma of the sexual assault.

“Jill”

Situation

Jill is 8 years old who was attacked by a man who broke into her family home in the early morning hours.  Police immediately apprehended the man due to this brave little girl’s description.  Soon after the attack, she started experiencing flashbacks and her sensory memory of the attack was so profound that she often said, “I just feel icky, I feel icky.”

How Friends of the KCAC Helped

The counselling she is receiving through the Friends of the KCAC program is helpig her make great strides towards recovery.  Her fears are subsiding and the flashbacks are more infrequent.  She longs to be “just 8 years old again.”