ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the therapy used with a cohort of children who were victims of organized abuse in Jerusalem. They suffered severe trauma with multiple forms of abuse—physical, sexual, emotional, torture, and threats—by multiple perpetrators. The therapy approach emphasizes the differences between “then” and “now,” as well as promoting attachment, correcting confusing beliefs, and combating compulsive behaviors often instilled by the perpetrators. Organized abuse has been documented in other settings and cultures and the methodology appears similar. There is growing consensus in the field of trauma that we should place emphasis on the organized aspects of these crimes against children, rather than the perpetrators’ motivations and ideology. In the sample of Israeli children, working closely with the child and parent hastened healing and led to improved functioning.
