Recognizing the Power of Deficit Ideology in Shaping Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This paper is reflective and deals with how societies view child sexual abuse through different cultural lenses. The deficits we subconsciously hold can impact, not only our personal views, but our teaching and our treatment methodologies. The purpose is to initiate discussion that will encourage more research on this subject. The objective is to enable practitioners to better recognize the psychological trauma accentuated by violence and sexual abuse and thus allow for better designed treatment programs. Central to this exploration is the concept of deficit ideology. The importance of understanding structural, cultural, and perhaps religious differences that shape ideas about child sexual abuse is stressed.