Free Forum for Parents. Assessment and Treatment of Victims of Sexual Exploitation

February 6, 2020

Complex Trauma: Effective Assessment and Treatment

of Victims of Sexual Exploitation

presented by Soroptimist International of Marin County and the Jeannette Prandi Children’s Center

with logistical support from the Center for Innovation and Resources, Inc.

presented by Deepa Patel, CSOTP, LCSW

Monday, February 10, 2020 | 11:30 am - 8:30 pm | San Rafael, CA

Trauma exposure occurs along a continuum, from single event traumas where all else is stable in a person’s life, to complex trauma, where repeated traumatic events have occurred. Whether a single trauma or complex, the assessment, interventions and treatment can vary especially in relation to children and youth. Victims of sexual exploitation often experience severe trauma with profound negative impact on their behavior, ability to function, relationships, and self-identity. These experiences often cause profound confusion, shame and guilt. Without timely, appropriate interventions, victims are more vulnerable and more susceptible to future abuse and victimization.

Children and adolescents with mental health concerns are too often overlooked or dismissed due to stereotypes. They may be labeled hopeless, drug users, bad kids, or  throw-aways. Frequently, adolescent victims enter the juvenile justice system with co-occurring disorders (like substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder) that - even under the best of circumstances - challenge treatment and recovery. The sexual exploitation of children and youth is a silent epidemic that presents many obstacles to families, service providers, and law enforcement. Identifying and treating victims is not easy. In this presentation we will focus on identifying and treating victims and the effects of sexual exploitation on children and youth. We will discuss trauma-informed screening, assessment and treatments specific to the needs of this special population. We will look to the roots of vulnerability that lead to sexual exploitation, and how to build resiliency in victims and preventing burn-out and vicarious trauma in providers.

Please follow the document below to find out more and for registration.

 

 

 

Document Download: Deepa-Patel-2.10.20-Program.pdf