Abstract
The National Psychotrauma Center at UMC Utrecht conducted a 2-year qualitative research project to explore what factors impede Moroccan or Turkish girls to seek trauma therapy after rape and what factors can enhance therapy-seeking behavior. Since 2005, 350 females aged 12-25 years who have been traumatized as a result of rape were referred to the Center. They were usually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and treated with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Until recently, none of these girls were of Moroccan or Turkish origin, despite the fact that research shows that origin does not influence the prevalence of sexual assault.
A literature study, an expert meeting, and a focus group showed that feelings of disgrace, loss of family honor, (fear for) loss of virginity, fear of rejection and gossip, lack of information about the possibilities of receiving help, and fear of confidentiality are factors that may prevent Moroccan or Turkish girls from seeking help. Although all raped adolescents have similar fears and worries, 95% of the Dutch native girls came to the center with their parents. This implies that their parents are informed and willing to support them.
The project resulted in actions to enhance therapy-seeking behavior in this population, including informing girls at secondary schools about sexual assault and the benefits of seeking therapy. Additionally, information was published in Moroccan and Turkish media and parents, migrant organizations, and general practitioners were informed about sexual assault and its consequences. Furthermore, possibilities to anonymously contact a therapist by e-mail, before committing to therapy, were enhanced. Until now, 14 Moroccan and Turkish raped girls have contacted the center. However, all of them dropped out before completing trauma therapy. The present article discusses possible explanations and solutions for dropout among these girls.
A literature study, an expert meeting, and a focus group showed that feelings of disgrace, loss of family honor, (fear for) loss of virginity, fear of rejection and gossip, lack of information about the possibilities of receiving help, and fear of confidentiality are factors that may prevent Moroccan or Turkish girls from seeking help. Although all raped adolescents have similar fears and worries, 95% of the Dutch native girls came to the center with their parents. This implies that their parents are informed and willing to support them.
The project resulted in actions to enhance therapy-seeking behavior in this population, including informing girls at secondary schools about sexual assault and the benefits of seeking therapy. Additionally, information was published in Moroccan and Turkish media and parents, migrant organizations, and general practitioners were informed about sexual assault and its consequences. Furthermore, possibilities to anonymously contact a therapist by e-mail, before committing to therapy, were enhanced. Until now, 14 Moroccan and Turkish raped girls have contacted the center. However, all of them dropped out before completing trauma therapy. The present article discusses possible explanations and solutions for dropout among these girls.
| Translated title of the contribution | Trauma treatment after single rape. How to reduce dropout amongst Turkish and Moroccan girls?: How to reduce dropout amongst Turkish and Moroccan girls? |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 175-179 |
| Journal | Psychologie en Gezondheid |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2011 |