FORMAT FOR THE GENERAL INTRODUCTION 2010

The theme selected for my portfolio is, “Sexual Abuse” with special
attention being paid to “The Effects of Sexual Abuse on Teenagers.” In the
society we reside in, the problem of sexual abuse has become prevalent and
gruesome, and the impact of this hideous action to the victims can range from
no apparent effects to very severe ones. According the American Journal of
Psychology the term covers any behavior by any adult towards a child to
stimulate either the adult or child sexually. Sexual abuse is defined as abuse
in which a child is abused for the sexual gratification of an adult or older
adolescent. Sexual abuse could include non- contact abuse such as exposure
and child pornography.

Children who are victims of such acts seldom suffer not only physically but
emotionally as well. The traumatic effects from this obscene experience can
be manifested in migraine headaches, substance abuse problems, eating
disorders, psychological distress and criminal and suicidal tendencies.

My portfolio is divided into three sections: the expository, the reflective and
the analytical. In the expository section, I presented to my teacher a seven
minute speech on “Sexual Abuse” and it also involved a critical analysis of
two articles. While in the reflective section, I have created as mandated one
literary piece in the short story genre, this is directly linked to my theme. The
story is entitled, “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and is accompanied by a
rationale which gives an account of my inspiration, purpose, intended
audience and the context where these pieces would be applicable.

I have chosen to analyze the story in terms of registers and dialectal variation.
(can also do attitudes to language and communicative behaviours)
The theme, “Sexual Abuse” has peeked my interest academically as the in-
depth discussions of this excruciating topic has made an impact on the lives
of my fellow Ethics classmates. My Ethics class has taken part in several
discourses on sexual abuse, examining the social and emotional effects it
could have on victims. In addition to this, it has made me become aware of
how physically ‘helpless’ victims feel as a result of this crime. This has made
me consider the option of becoming a psychologist in the future and using my
knowledge and ability to help these survivors of Sexual Abuse overcome the
effects of this horrid violation.

I am particularly interested in this topic of Sexual Abuse as a close friend

was a victim at the age of fourteen and even though it’s been twenty years,
she is still traumatized by the past event. Her experience has compelled me to
choose this topic of Sexual Abuse in an effort to empathize with victims like
my friend and also to sensitize my peers to the seriousness of this issue.

PS. I have deliberately made this longer than the stipulated length so that
students do not take it as it is and present it as their own. This is meant to be
an example for you to see the content and format.

PSS: You can access my book Communication Studies: Preparing students

for CAPE online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and most bookstores in
Trinidad and Tobago.
THE POSSIBLE FORMAT FOR THE EXPOSITORY/ ORAL PRESENTATION

1. BRIEF BACKGROUND TO THE TOPIC. For example give a quote/statistics from a

reputable source (Rape Crisis Centre, Families in Action, Childline, the Police, a
Psychologist, a School Counsellor etc)

POSSIBLE ISSUES

2. WHO ARE MOST AT RISK TO BE ABUSED (What the research says?)

3. WHAT ARE THE MANIFESTATIONS OR SIGNS OF ABUSE IN CHILDREN for

example frequent bed wetting, absences from school, withdrawal, aggression, extreme
emotions etc

4. WHAT TO DO? HOW TO HELP? WHO TO TELL?

5. YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS OR THOUGHTS HAVING DONE THIS PROJECT?

6. TALK ABOUT THE SOURCE (S) in terms of reliability and validity.

7. TALK ABOUT THE MEDIUM/CHANNEL

8. TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM THIS RESEARCH