A child’s disclosure of sexual victimization is a difficult experience for parents and has been associated with traumatization, disbelief, denial, self‐blame, and clinical difficulties. To date, most studies on parents’ responses have been quantitative assessments of the psychological impact of disclosure on parents. A paucity of research has qualitatively explored mothers’ experiences (3–18 years) had experienced sexual abuse. Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme—making sense of the abuse in retrospect—captured the process through which parents sought to make sense of their child’s disclosure, focusing on why their child had not disclosed the abuse to them earlier, and how they had noticed something was wrong but misattributed their child’s behavior to other
(Edited publisher abstract)
A child’s disclosure of sexual victimization is a difficult experience for parents and has been associated with traumatization, disbelief, denial, self‐blame, and clinical difficulties. To date, most studies on parents’ responses have been quantitative assessments of the psychological impact of disclosure on parents. A paucity of research has qualitatively explored mothers’ experiences of their child’s disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) and fathers’ experiences have been even further neglected. The current study seeks to characterize parents’ experiences of their child’s disclosure of CSA and to uncover the process‐oriented nature of parental responses. This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach to analysis, involved interviews with 10 mothers and four fathers whose children (3–18 years) had experienced sexual abuse. Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme—making sense of the abuse in retrospect—captured the process through which parents sought to make sense of their child’s disclosure, focusing on why their child had not disclosed the abuse to them earlier, and how they had noticed something was wrong but misattributed their child’s behavior to other factors. The second theme—negotiating parental identity as protector—reflected how parents’ identity as a protector was challenged, their perception of their world had been forever altered, and they now experienced themselves as hypervigilant and overprotective. The final theme—navigating the services—pertained to parents’ struggle in navigating child protection and police services, and feelings of being isolated and alone. These findings highlight the need for empathy and parental support following child disclosure of sexual victimization.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
parents, child sexual abuse, user views, disclosure;
BOLEN Rebecca M., DESSEL Adrienne B., SUTTER Julie
Journal article citation:
Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma, 24(1), 2015, pp.41-67.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
A gap exists in the literature with regard to the theoretical conceptualisation of nonoffending parental and other caregiver (NOC) support of sexually abused children. Measures need to be developed that appropriately capture this construct. This article presents a qualitative study that asked 17 NOCs in different ways how they supported their sexually abused children after the disclosure of the sexual abuse. The multiple different types of support were coded and, using grounded theory, the structure of NOC support emerged from the data. The final structure of NOC support had 8 dimensions, including basic needs, safety and protection, decision making, active parenting, instrumental support, availability, sensitivity to child, and affirmation.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A gap exists in the literature with regard to the theoretical conceptualisation of nonoffending parental and other caregiver (NOC) support of sexually abused children. Measures need to be developed that appropriately capture this construct. This article presents a qualitative study that asked 17 NOCs in different ways how they supported their sexually abused children after the disclosure of the sexual abuse. The multiple different types of support were coded and, using grounded theory, the structure of NOC support emerged from the data. The final structure of NOC support had 8 dimensions, including basic needs, safety and protection, decision making, active parenting, instrumental support, availability, sensitivity to child, and affirmation.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child sexual abuse, disclosure, parents, parenting;
Child and Family Social Work, 17(1), February 2012, pp.75-84.
Publisher:
Wiley
Little attention has been given to how suspicion of CSA affects the conditions for parenting practice, in spite of a large body of literature that identifies and examines many aspects of child sexual abuse (CSA). This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study on parenting in the midst of suspicion of CSA. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews with 19 parents. All parents were
Little attention has been given to how suspicion of CSA affects the conditions for parenting practice, in spite of a large body of literature that identifies and examines many aspects of child sexual abuse (CSA). This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study on parenting in the midst of suspicion of CSA. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews with 19 parents. All parents were recruited by a multidisciplinary team from within a Norwegian county. Five of these had been accused of CSA. Specific parenting conditions during CSA suspicion were identified. Six analytic categories were developed: uncertainty concerning abuse; dilemmas on protection; changes in parent-child relationships; changes in the natural support network; dependency upon professional competence; and severe emotional strain. The results are suggested as a tool for identifying themes in order to support and strengthen parenting in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in these kinds of situations. The authors concluded that professional contributions should be adjusted according to the insight shown in this study.
Subject terms:
parenting, parents, child protection, child sexual abuse;
This short animated film looks at the impact of child sexual abuse on families, and at how parents and carers can best support children who have been abused. It shows parents and carers dealing with a variety of situations, including sexual abuse of children by family members, other known adults and strangers. The film encourages adults to listen to children and takes a positive outlook on children's ability to recover from these difficult experiences. Though suitable for a wide audience, the film has been developed for parents and carers supporting children who have had experiences of sexual abuse. It is also a useful training tool for professionals.
This short animated film looks at the impact of child sexual abuse on families, and at how parents and carers can best support children who have been abused. It shows parents and carers dealing with a variety of situations, including sexual abuse of children by family members, other known adults and strangers. The film encourages adults to listen to children and takes a positive outlook on children's ability to recover from these difficult experiences. Though suitable for a wide audience, the film has been developed for parents and carers supporting children who have had experiences of sexual abuse. It is also a useful training tool for professionals.
Child Abuse Review, 19(2), March 2010, pp.107-129.
Publisher:
Wiley
This literature review revealed 23 articles, mostly from North America and Asia (but including one Botswana/Swaziland study) and often over 10 years old, on the attitudes, knowledge and practices of mainly mothers, with regards to parental management of the risks and prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). One gap in research was the lack of assessment of how parents defined CSA. Most parents thought strangers posed the greatest threat to children and much preventative practice tended to focus on ‘stranger danger’. Knowledge of symptoms specific to sexual abuse was limited. Many Chinese parents did not believe women could abuse children and feared teaching their children too much about sex. Many in the US were sceptical of abuse claims by children. Parents, from many different socioeconomic policy makers and help construct prevention programmes aimed at parents, to meet the demand that the increased concern about the rates of child sexual abuse has caused.
This literature review revealed 23 articles, mostly from North America and Asia (but including one Botswana/Swaziland study) and often over 10 years old, on the attitudes, knowledge and practices of mainly mothers, with regards to parental management of the risks and prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). One gap in research was the lack of assessment of how parents defined CSA. Most parents thought strangers posed the greatest threat to children and much preventative practice tended to focus on ‘stranger danger’. Knowledge of symptoms specific to sexual abuse was limited. Many Chinese parents did not believe women could abuse children and feared teaching their children too much about sex. Many in the US were sceptical of abuse claims by children. Parents, from many different socioeconomic groups, wished to share responsibility for informing their children as it was a difficult topic, especially for fathers, but the figures did fluctuate over 25 years. North American studies revealed a minimal attendance to CSA prevention programmes. It is hoped that this and the future, country specific, ‘inclusive of fathers’ research with higher risk families that the author calls for, will inform policy makers and help construct prevention programmes aimed at parents, to meet the demand that the increased concern about the rates of child sexual abuse has caused.
Subject terms:
parents, prevention, attitudes, child sexual abuse;
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 17(1), 2008, pp.1-12.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This paper relates the author’s own reactions and responses on discovering that her husband had been molesting their young daughter, with particular reference to the issue of whether there should be further contact between an abusing biological parent and child victim. This is generally felt to be desirable by professionals but often goes against the instincts of the non-offending parent (including the author) who may then be accused of being over-vigilant to the detriment of the child’s best interests. The legal and psychological literature is explored for research evidence on this issue, and very little is found. The author concludes from her own experience and what clues there are in the literature that families where child access issues arise because of incest are not the same as those of divorced and divorcing families, and should not be treated in the same way. Contact between an abusing parent and a child may be psychologically damaging, and this should be recognised. Two short commentaries on this paper follow (pp.13-19). (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
This paper relates the author’s own reactions and responses on discovering that her husband had been molesting their young daughter, with particular reference to the issue of whether there should be further contact between an abusing biological parent and child victim. This is generally felt to be desirable by professionals but often goes against the instincts of the non-offending parent (including the author) who may then be accused of being over-vigilant to the detriment of the child’s best interests. The legal and psychological literature is explored for research evidence on this issue, and very little is found. The author concludes from her own experience and what clues there are in the literature that families where child access issues arise because of incest are not the same as those of divorced and divorcing families, and should not be treated in the same way. Contact between an abusing parent and a child may be psychologically damaging, and this should be recognised. Two short commentaries on this paper follow (pp.13-19). (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Child Abuse and Neglect, 31(2), February 2007, pp.111-123.
Publisher:
Elsevier
Thirty alleged victims of sexual abuse and their parents were interviewed. The children were interviewed using the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol by six experienced youth investigators. The same principles were followed when the parents were asked to describe in detail what had happened since the abusive incidents. The statements made by the children and parents were then content analyzed. Major characteristics of the children's and parents’ reported behaviours were identified by two independent raters. More than half (53%) of the children delayed disclosure for between 1 week and 2 years, fewer than half first disclosed to their parents, and over 40% did not disclose spontaneously but did so only after they were prompted; 50% of the children reported feeling afraid or ashamed of their parents’ responses, and their parents indeed tended to blame the children or act angrily. The disclosure process varied depending on the children's ages, the severity and frequency of abuse, the parents’ expected reactions, the suspects’ identities, and the strategies they had used to foster secrecy. The children's willingness to disclose abuse to their parents promptly and spontaneously decreased when
Thirty alleged victims of sexual abuse and their parents were interviewed. The children were interviewed using the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol by six experienced youth investigators. The same principles were followed when the parents were asked to describe in detail what had happened since the abusive incidents. The statements made by the children and parents were then content analyzed. Major characteristics of the children's and parents’ reported behaviours were identified by two independent raters. More than half (53%) of the children delayed disclosure for between 1 week and 2 years, fewer than half first disclosed to their parents, and over 40% did not disclose spontaneously but did so only after they were prompted; 50% of the children reported feeling afraid or ashamed of their parents’ responses, and their parents indeed tended to blame the children or act angrily. The disclosure process varied depending on the children's ages, the severity and frequency of abuse, the parents’ expected reactions, the suspects’ identities, and the strategies they had used to foster secrecy. The children's willingness to disclose abuse to their parents promptly and spontaneously decreased when they expected negative reactions, especially when the abuse was more serious. A strong correlation between predicted and actual parental reactions suggested that the children anticipated their parents’ likely reactions very well.
Subject terms:
parents, child sexual abuse, crime victims, disclosure;
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 15(4), 2006, pp.1-18.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
The purpose of this American study was to investigate parental knowledge of symptoms of child sexual abuse (CSA), and to determine the factors associated with that knowledge. A total of 150 parents in the study listed symptoms of CSA in the following areas: physical/medical, emotional, sexual behaviour, and behaviour towards others. Results suggest that, although most parents are familiar with some of the symptoms of CSA, they are more likely to know emotional or behavioural reactions which could be suggestive of many other life stressors. Parents with higher socioeconomic status listed more symptoms, but race and parenting experience were not significant factors. Results suggest the need to inform parents of more indicative physical or sexual symptoms, and to target parents of lower SES
The purpose of this American study was to investigate parental knowledge of symptoms of child sexual abuse (CSA), and to determine the factors associated with that knowledge. A total of 150 parents in the study listed symptoms of CSA in the following areas: physical/medical, emotional, sexual behaviour, and behaviour towards others. Results suggest that, although most parents are familiar with some of the symptoms of CSA, they are more likely to know emotional or behavioural reactions which could be suggestive of many other life stressors. Parents with higher socioeconomic status listed more symptoms, but race and parenting experience were not significant factors. Results suggest the need to inform parents of more indicative physical or sexual symptoms, and to target parents of lower SES background in awareness efforts. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Child Abuse and Neglect, 28(6), June 2004, pp.671-684.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The study examines the self-reported prevalence of childhood physical and sexual abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents. Nearly 1,000 parents (506 mothers and 426 fathers) were selected through public primary schools from the Northern area of Portugal. All completed the Portuguese version of the Childhood History Questionnaire (CHQ). Results show that the prevalence of abuse was 73%, retrospective, self-report study of childhood abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents and, even with a participation rate of 69%, shows lower rates than in US and Spanish samples.
The study examines the self-reported prevalence of childhood physical and sexual abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents. Nearly 1,000 parents (506 mothers and 426 fathers) were selected through public primary schools from the Northern area of Portugal. All completed the Portuguese version of the Childhood History Questionnaire (CHQ). Results show that the prevalence of abuse was 73%, but more severe physical abuse involving sequelae/injury was reported by 9.5%. Most physical abuses began prior to age 13, with half continuing after age 13. No gender differences were found for rates of physical abuse. However, among the milder physical abuse without sequelae/injury, those women who experienced "whipping" or "slapping/kicking" were more likely to do so from their mothers than fathers. Among men who were "slapped/kicked" this was more likely to be from their fathers. Low rates of sexual abuse were found at 2.6% with no gender or age differences. Lack of a supportive adult in childhood related to the more severe abuses, but only in adolescence. Portuguese rates of abuse were consistently lower than those reported in USA and Spanish studies using the CHQ. This is the first retrospective, self-report study of childhood abuse in a large sample of Portuguese parents and, even with a participation rate of 69%, shows lower rates than in US and Spanish samples.
Social Work Now: the Practice Journal of Child, Youth and Family, 14, December 1999, pp.4-14.
Publisher:
Child, Youth and Family (Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, Te Tari Awhina I te Tamaiti, te Rangatahi, tae atu ki te Whanau)
This New Zealand study discusses whether advising parents not to discuss their children's sexual abuse disclosure is in the child's best interests and suggests it may be giving them the wrong messages. Explores how parents are likely to be advised by the police or the Child, Youth and Family Agency about how to respond and if parental discussion with a child is likely to contaminate the child's
This New Zealand study discusses whether advising parents not to discuss their children's sexual abuse disclosure is in the child's best interests and suggests it may be giving them the wrong messages. Explores how parents are likely to be advised by the police or the Child, Youth and Family Agency about how to respond and if parental discussion with a child is likely to contaminate the child's evidential disclosure using a questionnaire completed by members of the Invercargill Serious Abuse Team. Gives recommendations and discusses implications.