This article discusses the issues and ramifications for both the victim and the professional when disclosing sexual abuse. A case study of a teenage girl of Pacific Island descent divulging sexual abuse to a school counsellor is used to illustrate these factors. The author argues that the counsellor in this situation is bound by the ethics, policies and procedures of the profession, which conflicts with building trust with the client and ensuring confidentiality. The case study is also used to explore the effectiveness of counselling for clients in the instance of sexual abuse. The ensuing involvement of other professionals after a disclosure of sexual abuse is also examined, including a discussion on how this may have adverse effects on the victim through continuously retelling their story, and the lack of confidentiality of information. The author recommends that the needs of the victim must override all others, and that professionals must recognise that the whole family is affected when a member discloses sexual abuse.

New Zealand Journal of Counselling 24(2) 2004 : 11-24