Sexual abuse causes incalculable damage to the life of the sexually abused person on all
levels: emotional, spiritual and physical. God included children in His covenant with
mankind. Jesus always gave a special place to children during his time on earth.
Current statistics are shocking: One in every four girls and one in every six boys are being
sexually abused. Considering that up to 43 children are raped each day in South Africa, it
has to be acknowledged that sexual abuse in South Africa is reaching epidemic
proportions.
The spiritual/religious results of sexual abuse show that pastoral care is essential in the
healing process. Traumatised children themselves express the need for this problem to be
addressed pastorally. Children acknowledged that the problem of sexual abuse influenced
their relationships with God. Every child also expressed a need for spiritual growth and
spiritual knowledge.
The most effective method of helping seems to be an eclectic approach. On the one hand it
is important to take note of contributions from other sciences surrounding play therapy,
which could be used effectively in the helping process. On the other hand pastoral
guidelines should be fully utilised and adhered to. The solution thus lies in a holistic
approach where attention is given to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the
child.
From the empirical data that was collected it is clear that a combination of pastoral care
and play therapy is very effective. The uniqueness of this combination centres on the fact
that God, the great Healer, works in a restorative and healing fashion in the lives of children
through something that comes completely naturally to them, namely play. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/900 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Grobler, Linda |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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