Toward an Understanding of Child Rape

Focuses on the chaplain's work with child rape victims in Philadelphia. Several differences in working with children rather than adults are noted: Children are more concrete with anger and guilt in relation to the attack; time perception is often a problem for children; children have limited life experiences to understand what has happened; and children are usually seen in a family context which can complicate dealing with the rape. The chaplain is a good resource as a minister who automatically works in a family context and has the role of one who hears confessions and gives absolution. As a person who is a guide and educator, the chaplain can help make sense out of the crisis in the emergency room. Also, the chaplain can be an advocate for the child and for the family with the hospital staff and the police.