Disclosing the Details of Child Sexual Abuse: Can Imaginative Literature Help Ease the Suffering?

PROBLEM: Research indicates that full disclosure of the events surrounding child sexual abuse, while therapeutic, is often difficult to achieve. METHODS: A nonconventional research approach was employed in order to examine more closely the lived experience of these children. Two novels were analyzed using close reading. FINDINGS: Details of the events and resultant dehumanization of the children were uncovered, as well as the rescuing role of the ancestor. Writing emerged also as a therapeutic tool that facilitated disclosure and helped to promote healing. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of imaginative literature enables the reader to examine sensitive topics like sexual abuse and contributes to its treatment.