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Maria from Brazil her uncle . She was also easily startled and had angry outbursts when she was frustrated at school .
Finally , Maria ’ s teacher finally noticed the changes in Maria ’ s behaviour , after Maria drew pictures of abuse . Impulsively , the teacher asked Maria whether what she had drawn had happened to her . Maria denied it and said she had drawn a “ bad dream ”. She knew better this time not to mention to adults what was happening .
Noticing that Maria had shut off even more after the drawing , her teacher consulted the school ’ s educational social worker before contacting Maria ’ s mother to get professional advice on how to proceed . At the time , having a social worker and a psychologist was obligatory in Brazil . Maria and her teacher were very fortunate to have these resources . With their help , Maria ’ s teacher was able to find out how best to help Maria .
Summary
Reactions
• Uncomfortable
• Reacts to assault by hiding
• Protects herself by avoiding contact
• Timid
• Ashamed
• Confused
• Angry , easily startled
• Denial
• Avoids closeness
• Does not believe this is normal
Tools
• Consider using “ the life story ”
• Consider using “ Naming your feelings ”
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on 1 . How do children react when they tell and are not believed ? 2 . Why is it sometimes hard for a caregiver to believe a child ’ s story ? 3 . Why does Maria show her drawings and then deny the story they tell ? 4 . What is Maria ’ s survival strategy ? 5 . How would you approach Maria ’ s mother ? 6 . What kind of help do you think Maria and her mother need , individually and together ?
7 . If you were the helper meeting Maria , you might consider using “ the life story ” ( described in 4.7.3 ) as a tool , because she is expressing herself through drawing . What other tools might be appropriate ? Would you use “ Naming and colour your feelings ” ( described in 4.4.1 )?