Taking care of children´s family on sexual abuse situation considering the humanistic theory. A phenomenological study

Abstract

The sexual abuse is interpersonal violence practised against children or teenagers for an adult’s or older teenager’s sexual gratification. The research has aimed to apply the Humanistic Theory on the care of sexual abused children’s family. Phenomenological and qualitative approach was considered on the assistance of the children’s caregivers and it was carried on in a non-governmental organisation situated at the county of Fortaleza, Ceara. The data was collected in November 2005 and analysed with reference to the presuppositions of Paterson & Zderad’s Nursing Humanistic Theory. The caregivers have demonstrated little preparation to face the other aspects derived from the revelation; little knowledge about the effects of the sexual abuse upon the children and the way to help them as well. It can be concluded that the theory is able to realize the client’s needs and contributes to assist the demands produced by the intrafamiliar sexual abuse experience. The caregivers must be the target of the health prefessionals’ assistance.