23
Summary
Main points Main events Resources
• Criminal behaviour
• Steals
• Slow in school
• Naughty
• Sexual assault on relative
• Abused physically ( 1-4 )
• Father dead
• Neglected by mother
• Traumatised / abused family
• Large and poor household
• Abandoned by mother
• Concerned grandmother
• Capacity for play / able to symbolise
• Gives contact to helper
• Admits assault
• Seems more able than reported
Sam from South Africa
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on
• What could explain Sam ’ s behaviour ? 1 . The family has a history of sexual abuse . Could Sam have been abused ?
By his father or another relative ? 2 . Has Sam witnessed sexual abuse or rape ? 3 . Has he been exposed to pornographic material ? 4 . Is he just curious and without boundaries or respect for other people ’ s limits ? 5 . What other hypotheses should be considered ?
• What kind of help would be most helpful ? 1 . Does Sam need additional or different care and support ? 2 . Does he need to acquire mastery of a skill ? 3 . Does he need psycho-education in appropriate sexual behaviour ?
• How will his family ’ s lack of social resources , poverty and circumstances condition the help Sam can be offered ?