Teens Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence

Marie-Vincent offers a specialized intervention program for teens aged 12 to 17 who are victims of sexual violence.

Our interventions are based on a cognitive-behavioural approach, and are provided individually or in groups, depending on the needs of the person being supported.

The modality and duration of support are determined based on the recommendations from the needs assessment and the youth’s progress throughout the support process.

The support promotes:

• identification and expression of emotions
• emotion management
• expression of experiences related to sexual assault
• identification and modification of erroneous beliefs about sexuality
• acquisition of knowledge about sexual assault and sex education
• development of assertiveness and self-protection
• improvement of communication skills

Following support, it is shown that teens exhibit:

• better self-esteem
• reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
• fewer avoidance strategies
• reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress and dissociation
• reduced feelings of guilt

Source: Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Research Chair on Sexual Abuse of Children