UQ child sexual abuse study seeks volunteers

Children and adolescents who have suffered recent sexual abuse, and their caregivers, are being sought to participate in a new University of Queensland treatment study.

The University, in collaboration with PACT (Protect All Children Today), is conducting the study.

The project aims to help children aged six to 16 who have been sexually abused within the past three years, along with their caregivers.

Two different treatment programs are being offered through government and non-government child and youth agencies on the east coast of Queensland - from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, west to Toowoomba, and as far north as Cairns. These programs are offered free of charge, at clinics close to where families live.

UQ Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Professor Barry Nurcombe said it had been found in the past 25 years that child sexual abuse was more common than previously thought.

"Many children who have been abused can develop physical symptoms like headaches and abdominal pain, emotional problems such as anxiety and anger, behaviour problems such as short temper and running away from home, and problems with poor concentration and forgetfulness. Some children feel no more than numbness or emptiness," he said.

"Despite this knowledge, there is no convincing evidence that any type of treatment is more effective than any other. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a one-size-fits-all approach will work. We will endeavour to fit the treatment to the particular needs of the child or youth and family. We want to compare the effectiveness of the two different treatment programs we are offering in this study."

Caregivers are included in the treatment programs, conducted by trained community clinicians. Altogether, 116 experienced clinicians throughout Queensland have been trained to deliver treatment programs. Children, youth and caregivers who participate in the study will be required to attend for 18 one-hour sessions with a clinician in a district close to their homes. Caregivers and children or young people will receive a comprehensive assessment before the treatment begins.

Participants will be given free literature to assist them, as well as the treatment program.

People interested in participating in this important research project, can contact the Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, on 07 3835 1405. For long-distance callers, call us, and we will call you back.

Information on the study can be accessed on the website http://www.psychiatry.uq.edu.au/csa

Further information, Ms Madge Belle, telephone 3835 1405.