Many women demonstrate symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following the disclosure of their children's sexual abuse, particularly if the perpetrator was the spouse or intimate partner. These symptoms can continue for weeks, months, or even years. PTSD is the term used to capture the picture of symptoms that victims show following a traumatic event that is outside the normal range of experience. Originally used to describe combat victims, the trauma of sexual abuse parallels this type of trauma. Fear, threat, and injury are components of the experience.
Awareness of symptoms is key to reducing them. The practice of mindfulness allows mothers to maintain awareness of their presence. Practicing skills to manage symptoms reduces distress. Counseling provides an opportunity to process the feelings and gain insight to the internal process. Group therapy is effective as mothers gain support from the group.