Maria Lourdes de Vera
National Capital Region, Philippines
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Clin Exp Psychol
Abuse and violence are a health risk among Children. It carries the potential of producing long and debilitating
mental health problems that includes maladaptive behaviors, anxiety disorders, personality or relational issues.
This health issue requires equal importance as any other physiologic and physical disorder. It advocates the use
of client centered or person-centered therapy. The child’s right to be respected for his views is necessary in the
treatment and healing process. Every child is a human being having similar rights as any adults have. It includes their
right to association with both parents, human identity, the provision of the basic needs for physical protection, food,
universal state-paid education, health care, and criminal laws appropriate for the age and development of the child,
equal protection of the child’s civil rights, and freedom. Prevention of a disruptive home environment is better than
a whole system of cure. Abuse, whatever the nature is; physical, psychological or sexual according to Mullen and
Fleming (1998) reveals a significant connection between a history of child abuse and a range of adverse outcomes
both in childhood and adulthood. The important role of the family and community where the child is raised is
stressed. This study describes coping mechanism, mental health wellbeing and functioning of an abused child.
Methodology: Respondents were randomly selected voluntary disclosure and client’s request for counselling. Age
range of the respondents were between 16 to 24 years old. The subjects were female, male and single. Subjects were
repeatedly abused in their childhood. This Longitudinal Case Study advocates the use of a Rights based approach and
person to person approach to directly address the underlying condition. The study seeks to determine the dynamics
of the relationship between the child, the abuse and the perpetrator. what are the typical behaviour of a Child abused?
What are the common difference between abuse, neglect and violent acts committed against the child? Was the act
perpetuated with coercion or manipulation? Was it perpetuated cumulatively over a period of considerable time.
Difficulty in relating and forming relationships due to severe and unresolved emotional trauma and scarring? Were
emotional issues addressed? What are the child’s coping mechanisms? Did the child receive any support from the
Family? Is there any social support accessible to the child? What are the long term effect on the child’s behavior?
Results: Children where there is domestic violence regularly occurs in the home environment tend to suffer from
emotional neglect and or violence if not physical abuse or neglect. Children from disruptive family environment
tend to have communication and social skills issues. Children reported spousal violence in their home environment
where there is persistence of domestic violence. More than Fifty-percent of child sexual offenders physically abused
their adult female partner. Half of these males tend to physically abuse the partner’s children. They also tend to
sexually abuse children when the partner is not at home. Boys and girls who are sexually abused experience similar
childhood trauma. Generally abused children experience trust issues and needs constant and consistent reassurance,
the lack of healthy proper affectionate gestures renders them vulnerable to abusive relationships. Based on the
data gathered there is a general tendency among victims of sexual abuse to experience difficulty in establishing
intimacy in relationships. These children carry a significant issue with touch and close relationships. Finding the
sense for emotional connectivity are among the life skills that are either under developed or must be re-learned.
Most sexually subject are incest victims. The nature of therapy prioritize restoring a healthy self image. It focuses
on a nondirective/authoritative, empathic approach that empowers and motivates the client within the therapeutic
process. It encourages clients to get connected with their emotions, find meaning and guidance to make solutions
based on their capacity to work out their issues.
Recent Publications
1. Brady, S. (2008). The impact of sexual abuse on sexual identity formation in gay men. Journal of Child Sexual
Abuse, 17(3-4), 359-376.
2. Browning, C. R., & Laumann, E. O. (1997). Sexual contact between children and
3. adults: A life course perspective. American Sociological Review, 62(4), 540-560.
4. Brown, J., Cohen, P., Johnson, J., & Smailes, E. M. (1999). Childhood abuse and neglect: Specificity of effects
on adolescent and young adult depression and suicidality. Journal of the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, 38(12), 1490-1496.
5. Yacat, Jay & S Rosales, Zenaida & M Rabanillo, Regina. (2018). Counseling Sexually Abused Children in the
Philippines: A Survey of Practices, Beliefs and Activities.
6. Walsh, Kerryann & M. Farrell, Ann & Schweitzer, Robert & Bridgstock, Ruth. (2005). Critical factors in teachersâ??
detecting and reporting child abuse and neglect: Implications for practice. Final report prepared for the
Abused Child Trust.
7. D L Davis, and R G Whitten, The Cross-Cultural Study of Human Sexuality, Annual Review of Anthropology
1987 16:1, 69-98
8. Child Sexual Abuse and Continuous Influence of Cultural Practices: A Review.Shafe S, Hutchinson G.West
Indian Med J. 2014 Jul 3; 63(6):634-7. Epub 2014 Jul 7.
9. B.C Acebes-Escobal, M.C Nerida, R.A Chez Abuse of women and children in a Philippine community,
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics John Wiley and Sons Jan 22, 2002
Maria Lourdes de Vera is an artist and an award winning author. She has written articles about child rearing and write books on the significance of creative art works for children. She is a registered Nurse specializing in Intensive Care Nursing. A former Clinical Instructor she handles Research as her main field of interest. Marilou is a licensed Professional Teacher and Psychologist with post graduates in Medical Surgical Nursing, Guidance and Counselling and Fine Arts. She gives lectures to undergraduate and graduate school students in selected colleges and universities in the National Capital Region, Philippines.
E-mail: marialourdesa.devera@gmail.com
