UNISA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
MCG2602 SEXUAL TRAUMA
ASSIGNMENT 02
27 JUNE 2019
Question 1
1.1 The intervention level in this case is at micro-level (refer to Example 2 on page 207 of the
MCG2602/102/0/2019 Tutorial letter). The literature states that micro-level interventions are
aimed at the smallest component affected by sexual abuse, i.e. the individual. Micro-level
interventions are intended to minimise the negative consequences of a specific social concern
– in this case sexual abuse – on survivors and offenders and also to avoid recurrence of the
incidents. In the case study the matron and social workers were aware of the effects of sexual
abuse and that they wanted to help the individual children in their care, in other words their
effort was focused at the micro level.
1.2 The intervention level in this case is at meso-level, which the literature defines as “interventions
aimed at a middle level”. These interventions are aimed at high-risk groups “in order to avoid
the spread of a disease or condition.” These groups may be families or communities who are
at risk of abuse. In the case study, Joyce focuses her efforts on the vulnerable, at-risk group of
women in her community. The case study is similar to Example 1 on page 206 of the
MCG2602/102/0/2019 Tutorial Letter.
1.3 The intervention level in the third case study is at the macro-level. In the tutorial letter
(MCG2602/102/0/2019, Unisa Department of Social Work), macro-level interventions “refer to
broad social and cultural approaches.” Interventions “target the broad population with the
objective of stopping the incidence of a given disease or condition before it even begins.” In
the case study, as in Example 3 of Tutorial Letter 2, a wide group of people are involved by the
welfare agencies, which makes the intervention macro-level.
1.4 I would interpret Mike’s behaviour as abusive. The Tutorial Letter quotes Walker (2004) in
stating that sexual experimentation by young children can be considered abusive in cases where
one child uses force. The facts that Mike tied his sister up and that she screamed means that
he used force.
1.5 I would recommend that Sue should tell Mike to stop what he is doing immediately and then go
around to her neighbours – Mike’s parents – to inform them of what she saw. Their reaction
will show whether they are willing to address the problem. If not, Sue should report the abuse
to her local child welfare society.
1.6 According to the Tutorial Letter, it is normal for developing children to be interested in their
own and others’ bodies. As long as both children are of a similar age, developmental level and
power and have an equal ability to make choices and as long as they are in agreement on how
far the experimentation will go, the exploration activity is harmless. In Johanna’s case, the
children are of a similar age and neither of them are threatened or scared. I would therefore
interpret their game as part of normal developmental behaviour.
1.7 I would recommend that Johanna should have a calm discussion with her little daughter where
she acknowledges the girl’s sensations and curiosity and then proceed to talk with her about
her body and her actions in an age-appropriate manner. The literature suggests that children
should be taught the proper names of the things they can see and touch, and it should be
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MCG2602 SEXUAL TRAUMA
ASSIGNMENT 02
27 JUNE 2019
Question 1
1.1 The intervention level in this case is at micro-level (refer to Example 2 on page 207 of the
MCG2602/102/0/2019 Tutorial letter). The literature states that micro-level interventions are
aimed at the smallest component affected by sexual abuse, i.e. the individual. Micro-level
interventions are intended to minimise the negative consequences of a specific social concern
– in this case sexual abuse – on survivors and offenders and also to avoid recurrence of the
incidents. In the case study the matron and social workers were aware of the effects of sexual
abuse and that they wanted to help the individual children in their care, in other words their
effort was focused at the micro level.
1.2 The intervention level in this case is at meso-level, which the literature defines as “interventions
aimed at a middle level”. These interventions are aimed at high-risk groups “in order to avoid
the spread of a disease or condition.” These groups may be families or communities who are
at risk of abuse. In the case study, Joyce focuses her efforts on the vulnerable, at-risk group of
women in her community. The case study is similar to Example 1 on page 206 of the
MCG2602/102/0/2019 Tutorial Letter.
1.3 The intervention level in the third case study is at the macro-level. In the tutorial letter
(MCG2602/102/0/2019, Unisa Department of Social Work), macro-level interventions “refer to
broad social and cultural approaches.” Interventions “target the broad population with the
objective of stopping the incidence of a given disease or condition before it even begins.” In
the case study, as in Example 3 of Tutorial Letter 2, a wide group of people are involved by the
welfare agencies, which makes the intervention macro-level.
1.4 I would interpret Mike’s behaviour as abusive. The Tutorial Letter quotes Walker (2004) in
stating that sexual experimentation by young children can be considered abusive in cases where
one child uses force. The facts that Mike tied his sister up and that she screamed means that
he used force.
1.5 I would recommend that Sue should tell Mike to stop what he is doing immediately and then go
around to her neighbours – Mike’s parents – to inform them of what she saw. Their reaction
will show whether they are willing to address the problem. If not, Sue should report the abuse
to her local child welfare society.
1.6 According to the Tutorial Letter, it is normal for developing children to be interested in their
own and others’ bodies. As long as both children are of a similar age, developmental level and
power and have an equal ability to make choices and as long as they are in agreement on how
far the experimentation will go, the exploration activity is harmless. In Johanna’s case, the
children are of a similar age and neither of them are threatened or scared. I would therefore
interpret their game as part of normal developmental behaviour.
1.7 I would recommend that Johanna should have a calm discussion with her little daughter where
she acknowledges the girl’s sensations and curiosity and then proceed to talk with her about
her body and her actions in an age-appropriate manner. The literature suggests that children
should be taught the proper names of the things they can see and touch, and it should be
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