ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the importance and benefits of working with children in the context of their family. In the cases of families where sexual abuse has been a feature, sequences of behaviour organised around secrecy are likely to be a common but frequently dysfunctional feature. The sequelae of child sexual abuse can be devastating and far-reaching for all parts of the family system, treatment focusing only on the individual child to the exclusion of other family members and possibly doomed to failure. The sequelae of child sexual abuse can be devastating and far-reaching for all parts of the family system, treatment focusing only on the individual child to the exclusion of other family members and possibly doomed to failure. Working with the family history, communication system, internalised feelings and belief systems provides a realistic and comprehensive context from which the wounds resulting from the trauma of sexual abuse can begin to heal.
