In this paper five countertransference reactions, which may be
experienced by workers on child abuse management teams, are
described. Karpman's Drama Triangle is used as a framework within
which to define these reactions. The reactions are: (1) rescuing the
child; (2) rescuing the parents; (3) rescuing the mother and child while
persecuting the father, (4) rescuing the father; and (5) persecuting the
family.