<p>The aim of this study was to explore how professional helpers, who work at a clinic in South Africa, experience and are affected by their work in the assessment and treatment of child sexual abuse. Twelve professional helpers were interviewed using a qualitative, semi-structured interview. The analysis of the interviews resulted in five overall categories. These are; The work with children; Pressures at work; Motivation for doing the job; Influences on a personal level and Coping strategies. Our study reveals that all of the professionals are influenced by their work but most of them not to the extent that they cannot enjoy life. The people who, apart from working with abused children, also work within management seem more affected by their work. Thus one of the conclusions is that the professionals are influenced by the entire work situation and not only by the clients that they meet. Another conclusion is that the work with sexually abused children has an effect on the professionals'private lives and that boundaries between work and private life are hard to keep.</p>

The aim of this study was to explore how professional helpers, who work at a clinic in South Africa, experience and are affected by their work in the assessment and treatment of child sexual abuse. Twelve professional helpers were interviewed using a qualitative, semi-structured interview. The analysis of the interviews resulted in five overall categories. These are; The work with children; Pressures at work; Motivation for doing the job; Influences on a personal level and Coping strategies. Our study reveals that all of the professionals are influenced by their work but most of them not to the extent that they cannot enjoy life. The people who, apart from working with abused children, also work within management seem more affected by their work. Thus one of the conclusions is that the professionals are influenced by the entire work situation and not only by the clients that they meet. Another conclusion is that the work with sexually abused children has an effect on the professionals'private lives and that boundaries between work and private life are hard to keep.