JUST IN CASE
You need professional help

If you were sexually exploited, a runaway, and/or abducted, you may greatly benefit from the help of a knowledgeable and experienced professional counselor.

The act of running away usually results from a combination of unresolved family problems and individual problems. Counseling can be helpful in identifying these issues, reducing the impact of the problems, and preventing future runaway incidents. Counseling should address all events that occurred during the runaway incident, as runaway teens are at high risk for substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and physical abuse.

When you have been sexually exploited, see a therapist as soon as possible after the incident. Therapy can help you understand that you aren’t to blame and can help you cope with the often overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame that some victims have. While physical evidence of sexual abuse is often lacking, you should still be examined by a physician to make sure that you haven’t been physically injured during the incident.

If you were abducted by a noncustodial parent or family member, reunification counseling may need to address your feelings of separation or loss from the abductor parent. Your custodial parent may find it difficult to talk with you about such feelings, in light of any anxiety or anger that he or she may have toward the abductor. Counseling can make it easier to discuss and work through such reactions.

If you were the victim of a nonfamily abduction, reunification counseling should begin with an evaluation of the impact of the event upon both you and your family as well as an assessment of your family’s coping skills. While family counseling fosters the communication essential to rebuilding family life, individual counseling for you may be necessary to address fears and traumatic experiences that you may be reluctant to express in a family setting.

Where Do I Find a Therapist or Physician? Many communities have special programs for treating child-sexual exploitation or have therapists and physicians with experience in this treatment area. As services to families of missing children represent a relatively new field, however, it may be difficult to find therapists with this specialized training in your community. You may find reputable therapists through the below-noted organizations in your community.

Be sure to seek a therapist or physician who has knowledge of the legal issues involved in child-sexual exploitation and/or abduction including laws about reporting sexual victimization and procedures used by the police and protective services for evidence collection and expertise testimony in your state.

What to Look for in a Therapist. In order to be helpful to you, a therapist needs to have training and experience in dealing with child-sexual exploitation and abuse or issues related to family reunification.

What to Look for in a Physician. When seeking medical assistance, your physician should have the following:

Dealing With Your Therapist or Physician. When you have located a therapist or physician, you should ask about his or her experience and training in dealing with your particular problem. If you aren’t satisfied, seek another professional. Even if you pay a reduced fee or receive services at no cost, you have the right to have a therapist or physician with the proper training and experience. You may wish to express a preference for a male or female therapist or physician.

Discuss your situation openly, completely, and honestly. Trust your feelings. You should feel comfortable with the therapist or physician, even if the examination or assessment process creates feelings of guilt or shame. If you aren’t comfortable with your therapist or physician, openly discuss this discomfort with your therapist or physician. If this discussion doesn’t produce positive change, seek another therapist or physician.

Provide a complete history so that the professional can properly assess and treat you. Try to cooperate as fully as possible. Ask questions if you don’t understand what’s happening.

Discuss the fees for examination, and find out what’s covered by any health insurance benefits that you may have. Ask for a written statement that explains the basis for charges. Your police department or prosecutor’s office can tell you if your state has a crime victims assistance program that will pay for the necessary counseling and medical treatment.

Note: All medical professionals and therapists have a code of ethics they must follow. It’s always wrong for any professional to be abusive or act in a sexual way with a client. If you believe that your therapist or physician is acting inappropriately or isn’t keeping you informed about the assessment and treatment, discuss your concerns openly. If this discussion doesn’t produce positive change, talk to his or her supervisor or contact a professional or medical association for more help. Don’t stay in a therapy situation that makes you uncomfortable.