Sexual Misconduct Chapter 4 Summary

Chapter 4 – The Dynamics of Adult Sexual Misconduct
In Chapter 4, Mosgofian and Ohlschlager varied dynamics of adult sexual misconduct. In this chapter, they assert no helper is immune to falling prey to sexual misconduct. The focus of the chapter is on men who cross sexual boundaries with women. This is important because approximately 90 percent of all sexual misconduct is executed by men. The overwhelming percentage of infractions, 85 percent, are against women. It is interesting that the demographic of women who are involved are attractive, naïve, insecure, and non-orgasmic. The authors also purport the women tend to be white, single and emotionally vulnerable. It would stand to reason, given this dynamic, sufficient studies of other

If personal issues and vulnerabilities are not properly handled and accountability measures are not adhered to, good helpers and ministers can succumb to sexual misconduct. It is ironic that some professionals minimize the problem of sexual misconduct. Some even suggest sex between counselor and counselee is advantageous for the counselee, touting improvement of self-esteem among other benefits. Citing other reasons which contribute to sexual misconduct, Mosgofian and Ohlschlager contend some vulnerable violators are ill-equipped to recognize counter-transference issues of anger, trust and fantasy of fulfilled intimacy. They may see the counselee as the answer to their unmet

The authors purport given the psychological frailty of victims, they may be unable to stop the sexual advances of the helper. There are grave ramifications to the relationship of the victim to God and the church. The victim feels abandoned by God and the church. These victims experience a range of harm as a result of sexual abuse which may include depression, sexual dysfunction, guilt, shame, increased drug and alcohol abuses as well as suicidal tendencies. With all of the aforementioned harm, the authors assert the greatest casualty of sexual misconduct is the loss of hope. The person who is supposed to help her and who represents God has betrayed her and therefore this infraction causes her view of God and her relationship to God to be shattered. She loses all self-worth. Consequently, the road to recovery is arduous.
Ironically, it requires further counseling and treatment by other counselors and therapists to help the victim identify the problem and begin to heal. It is unimaginable what these victims go through and unfathomable by someone who has not experienced abuse. However, treatment is available and can be successful. Unfortunately, the new counselor or therapist must move past the impasse created by the misconduct of his or her