Short-term focused inpatient treatment combined with sensory regulation of sexual trauma victims – Summary of 100 first hospitalizations

Background: Treatment of sexual trauma victims may be fraught with crises. In situations of de-compensation, the frequency of suicide attempts is high, and ambulatory treatment may not always provide the required response. In extreme cases, either in close proximity to the sexual offence or even years later, a more intense intervention is needed. This includes removing sexual trauma victims from their daily lives and hospitalization. Caregivers debate the type of hospitalization needed and the best type of treatment in times of decompensation and dissociation. Method: This paper depicts a hospitalization model in Israel that has been created to provide a unique and focused solution for sexual trauma victims. The psychological principle of the hospitalization is based on Mann’s shortterm dynamic psychotherapy method. The patients are integrated in an acute psychiatric ward in which a variety of psychopathologies, men and women, are treated. Results: The paper summarizes findings and understandings from the first 100 hospitalizations. The author’s main conclusion is that sexual trauma victims need a focused specialized treatment plan to best deal with their complex issues and that hospitalization should be minimized to two weeks. Conclusions: The author’s main recommendation is that funding must be allocated for hospital beds for sexual trauma victims in each region in the country to produce adequate continuity of care for these patients.