Date of Award

5-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Abstract

Research shows that the identification and subsequent treatment of child sexual abuse victims often rests on the ability of the child to disclose the abuse. However, many victims never disclose sexual abuse, thereby increasing the potential for long-term victimization during childhood. There is a pressing need for information regarding factors which facilitate disclosure and factors which hinder this process, so that strategies can be developed to address the pervasive problem of child sexual abuse.

In this study, information regarding sexual abuse incidents and the disclosure of the abuse was obtained through a questionnaire completed by 71 adult survivors of child sexual abuse. The sample included 67 females and 4 males, ranging in age from 20 to 57 years. Questionnaire respondents were participants in existing therapy and support group services available to adult survivors of child sexual abuse throughout .the state of North Dakota.

Of the 71 respondents, only 12 (16.9%) were found to have disclosed the abuse during childhood. Of these 12, the majority did not experience an appropriate response to. their disclosures, that is, belief about the abuse and protection and support of the victim. The abuse continued for 8 (66.7%) of the 12 respondents. There was a lack of belief and support of the victim for 11 (91. 7 %) of the 12 respondents. Therefore, for only 1 (1.4%) of the 71 respondents did the abuse stop following disclosure within the necessary context of belief and support.

As was hypothesized, factors which surfaced as facilitating disclosure of the abuse included having a trusted person available to whom the abuse could be disclosed, and having access to education regarding sexual abuse

The conclusions of this research provide information important to developing strategies for identifying and helping child sexual abuse victims. It is clear from the findings that disclosure of the abuse is critical. Additionally, the response to the disclosure must be appropriate and adequate in order to help the child victim and stop the abuse. The findings assist professionals in understanding the complex dynamics surrounding child sexual abuse disclosure and the importance of an appropriate response.

Download

Share

COinS