Influence of Family and Victim Demographic Factors on Treatment Completion for Children Exposed to Abuse and Family Violence

Authors

• Jennifer E. Gonzalez, University of Central FloridaFollow

Mentor

Dr. Andrew P. Daire

Abstract

The Children's Bureau of Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (2010) estimates that over 75 million children disclose being victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, psychological maltreatment, and medical neglect each year. However, for agencies that provide services to victims of child sexual abuse and neglect, successfully completing treatment for clients is challenging but imperative in decreasing the likelihood of the child or adolescent developing long-term emotional, psychological, and behavioral consequences (DePanfilis, 2006). According to McPherson, Scribano, & Stevens (2012), child survivors of sexual abuse are more likely to complete treatment if their mother attends sessions and supports the child throughout the counseling process. The present study examines the influence of demographic factors on treatment completion of 292 children who received services from a child advocacy center. The findings identify differences between caregivers' type of relationships to the victims and appointment cancellations.

About the Author

Jennifer Gonzalez has conducted research since 2010 as an undergraduate research assistant with the University of Central Florida's Marriage and Family Research Institute (UCF MFRI) through Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP). She has presented at various national and international conferences. Jennifer is now a first year Master's student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at UCF and a graduate research assistant at the MFRI.

Recommended Citation

Gonzalez, Jennifer E. (2013) "Influence of Family and Victim Demographic Factors on Treatment Completion for Children Exposed to Abuse and Family Violence," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 6: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol6/iss2/6