Stigmatized Loss in Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in South Africa

Abstract

This study employed qualitative secondary analysis of transcriptions of 16 group treatment sessions with 18 women (average age 30.5 years) who participated in the Survivor to Thriver (S2T) collaborative strengths-based group intervention program for women survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in South Africa. Applying an analytical framework, inductive thematic analysis was performed. One immediate loss, namely loss of childhood innocence, and two ongoing losses, the loss of how to interconnect and loss of living life to the fullest, were identified in the data. Findings correlate with studies in developed countries and may contribute to the global knowledge base on this topic and inform further treatment practice. Practice implications and limitations are discussed.

Keywords:

• Childhood sexual abuse
• stigmatized loss
• women
• mourning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Baaqira Kays Ebrahim

Baaqira Kays Ebrahim (MA Psychology) is a junior lecturer in the School of Psychosocial Health and Optentia Research Focus Area at the North-West University. Her research focuses on loss and childhood sexual abuse.

Ansie Fouché

Ansie Fouché (PhD Social Work) is an associate professor in the School of Psychosocial Health and Optentia Research Focus Area at the North-West University. Her research focuses on child sexual abuse and strengths-based models and interventions.

Hayley J. Walker-Williams

Hayley Janay Walker-Williams (PhD Psychology) is a senior lecturer in the School of Psychosocial Health and Optentia Research Focus Area at the North-West University. Her research focuses on strengths-based interventions and childhood sexual abuse.