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Henderson HM, Wylie BE, Lyon TD. The Comparative Productivity of the Birthday Narrative in 6- to 11-year-Old Maltreated Children. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024:10775595241264279. [PMID: 39028258 DOI: 10.1177/10775595241264279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
We asked 111 6- to 11-year-old maltreated children to tell "everything that happened" on their last birthday, the last time they did something they liked to do outside, and yesterday. All children produced details in response to the like to do and yesterday narratives, compared to 98% of children in response to the birthday narrative. Questions about yesterday were more likely to elicit productive responses (93%) than questions about the child's birthday (90%) or things they liked to do (88%). Older children produced the most details in response to questions about yesterday, and older children's birthday narratives were more productive than those about favorite activities. Narratives about children's birthday and yesterday produced comparable percentages of negative details (15%), whereas 32% of children mentioned something negative when discussing a favorite activity. The results suggest that although children find yesterday easier to recall than their last birthday, the birthday narrative is a productive tool for encouraging children to practice recalling more remote events, preparing them for abuse disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden M Henderson
- University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas D Lyon
- University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Carretier E, Jourdan M, Duchesne S, Flouriot J, Lachal J, Moro MR. Disclosure of sexual abuse by adolescents treated in a psychiatry department. L'ENCEPHALE 2024:S0013-7006(24)00043-5. [PMID: 38523028 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to describe the population of adolescents who have disclosed sexual abuse to a health professional during their care in a psychiatric department. We also want to discuss the circumstances that enable adolescents to make this disclosure. METHODS This single-center retrospective observational study is based on the mandatory reports (n=139) sent by a Paris adolescent psychiatry department between 2005 and 2021 after patients disclosed previous sexual abuse. R® (3.6.1) and RStudio® (1.2.5001) software were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Girls accounted for almost all the adolescents who disclosed (95.7%). First abuse occurred around the age of 12 years and was first disclosed to a health professional a mean of 3.5 years later; 66 (47.5%) patients were admitted for inpatient care during their follow-up. The most common diagnoses were depression, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, and other anxiety disorders. Before disclosing to a health professional, most of these adolescents had already talked about it, mainly to a family member (69.8%) or peers (24.7%). CONCLUSION This is the first study in France on the reporting of sexual abuse after its disclosure by adolescents being treated in a psychiatry unit. Our results show that child sexual abuse is rarely reported and that health care professionals are far from being the first recipients of these disclosures. We recommend routine screening for sexual abuse in adolescent psychiatry units, improved training for staff receiving these disclosures, and consideration of how best to coordinate medical, social, and legal services for these adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Carretier
- Laboratoire de psychologie clinique psychopathologie psychanalyse, Paris Cité University, PCPP, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France.
| | - Marine Jourdan
- Département de médecine légale, université Paris Sorbonne Cité, Paris, France; Service de médecine légale et pénitentiaire, centre hospitalo-universitaire Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Sophie Duchesne
- Service de gynecologie-obstétrique - maison des femmes, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne université, Paris, France
| | - Julien Flouriot
- Département de psychiatrie et de médecine addictologique, site Lariboisière Fernand-Widal, AP-HP GHU Nord, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Lachal
- Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont-Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie-Rose Moro
- Laboratoire de psychologie clinique psychopathologie psychanalyse, Paris Cité University, PCPP, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Maison des adolescents - maison de Solenn, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
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3
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Allard-Gaudreau N, Poirier S, Cyr M. Factors associated with delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse: A focus on the victim's having been led to perform sexual acts on the perpetrator. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 147:106537. [PMID: 37956501 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contextual variables associated with children's willingness to disclose sexual abuse have been identified in previous studies, but further investigation is needed to better understand delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the risk of delayed disclosure of CSA. More specifically, it focused on a factor that has rarely, if ever, been looked into: the fact that some victims are led to perform sexual acts on the perpetrator. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A content analysis was performed on 68 transcripts of investigative interviews with CSA victims aged 4 to 12 years old. METHODS Based on our content analysis, the time between the first abuse and the first disclosure was determined for each victim. The age and gender of the victim, the victim's relationship with the perpetrator, the age of the perpetrator, the frequency and severity of the abuse, and whether or not the victim mentioned having performed sexual acts on the perpetrator were also coded. RESULTS Chi-square analyses showed that the risk of delayed disclosure was associated with the victim's having performed, or not performed, sexual acts on the perpetrator (χ2 = 16.327, p < 0.001), the victim's relationship with the perpetrator (χ2 = 10.013, p = 0.002), and the frequency of the abuse (χ2 = 11.617, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that having been led to sexually touch the perpetrator is associated with delayed disclosure of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Allard-Gaudreau
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscaminque, 445 Bd de l'Université, Rouyn-Noranda J9X 5E4, Québec, Canada.
| | - Sebastien Poirier
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscaminque, 445 Bd de l'Université, Rouyn-Noranda J9X 5E4, Québec, Canada.
| | - Mireille Cyr
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, 90 avenue Vincent d'Indy, Montréal H2V 2S9, Québec, Canada.
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Hartman DT, Wang Y, Wu Y, Goldfarb D, Vidales D, Qin J, Eisen ML, Goodman GS. Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Longitudinal Study of Disclosures and Denials. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:462-475. [PMID: 36988427 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231165335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In legal cases regarding child sexual abuse (CSA), children have various options, such as to disclose or deny maltreatment. When interviewed in adulthood, their accounts may be consistent with their childhood responses. Alternatively, denial in childhood could be followed in adulthood by disclosure ("deferred disclosure"), confirming previous suspicions. Or the adults could possibly recant. We conducted a longitudinal study of CSA disclosures and denials (N = 99; Time 1 [T1], 3- to 16-year-olds). T1 CSA disclosures and denials at a forensic unit were compared to the individuals' responses 20 years later (Time 2 [T2]. 22- to 37-years-old). We found that consistent disclosure was associated with being older at T1 and female. Deferred disclosure was significantly associated with greater T2 trauma-related symptoms. Corroboration and higher CSA severity predicted T2 recantation. Consistent denial was related to less severe CSA. Our findings add to knowledge about CSA disclosures, which affect legal pathways available to child victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana T Hartman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yuerui Wu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Goldfarb
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daisy Vidales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jianjian Qin
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell L Eisen
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gail S Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Catton AKH, Dorahy MJ, Yogeeswaran K. Disclosure of Sexual Victimization: Effects of Invalidation and Shame on Re-Disclosure. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8332-8356. [PMID: 36803032 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231155122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Research on disclosure of sexual victimization has consistently demonstrated that the act of disclosure and the disclosure recipient have a synergistic effect in facilitating either positive or negative post-assault outcomes. While negative judgments such as victim blame have been argued to serve a silencing function, experimental investigations of this claim are lacking. The current study investigated whether invalidating feedback in response to self-disclosure of a personally distressing event produced feelings of shame, and whether shame influenced subsequent decisions around re-disclosure. Feedback type (validating, invalidating, no feedback) was manipulated in a sample of 142 college students. Results partially supported the hypothesis that shame resulted from invalidation, however shame was better predicted by individual perceptions of invalidation than the experimental manipulation. Although few participants opted to make changes to the content of their narrative for re-disclosure, those who did had higher levels of state shame. Results suggest that shame may be the affective mechanism by which invalidating judgments silence victims of sexual violence. The present study also supports the distinction previously made between Restore and Protect motivations in managing this shame. This study provides experimental support for the notion that an aversion to being shamed, communicated via an individual's perception of emotional invalidation, features in judgments of re-disclosure. Perceptions of invalidation, however, vary individually. Professionals working with victims of sexual violence should be mindful of the importance of shame attenuation in facilitating and encouraging disclosure.
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Nogalska AM, Henderson HM, Cho SJ, Lyon TD. Novel Forms of Reluctance Among Suspected Child Sexual Abuse Victims in Adolescence. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:275-285. [PMID: 35623629 PMCID: PMC10908354 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221104828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents tend to be neglected in research examining child sexual abuse (CSA) interviews, yet are often said to be particularly reluctant. This study examined reluctance among 119 10- to 17-year-old females questioned about suspected CSA (n = 25,942 responses), utilizing a scheme identifying previously overlooked types of reluctance in commercially sexually exploited (CSE) youth. In contrast to the CSE youth in a prior study, in which 26% of responses were reluctant, only 8% of CSA victims' responses expressed reluctance. Reluctance was unrelated to age, abuse characteristics, and don't know (IDK) responding. Greater reluctance (but not IDK responding) was related to disclosure of fewer characteristics of abuse. Virtually all youth (93%) had disclosed prior to the interview, in contrast to previous studies examining reluctance among adolescent victims of internet-initiated sexual abuse and CSE. The way in which abuse is discovered may better explain reluctance than the age of the alleged victims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayden M. Henderson
- Gould School of Law, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scarlet J. Cho
- Gould School of Law, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas D. Lyon
- Gould School of Law, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Amo-Adjei J, Deliege A, Nurzhynska A, Essuman R, Khan MR. A Vignettes-Based Exploration of Attitudes of Parents Toward Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in Ghana. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:6138-6166. [PMID: 36213952 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reporting child sexual abuse (CSA) to law enforcement institutions is the ideal child protection imperative. The role of parents in this process is unquestionably profound. Yet, there is limited evidence on parental perspectives on reporting CSA to law enforcement agencies in developing country contexts. We apply vignettes to describe the views of parents about reporting CSA perpetrated by "family members, schoolteachers, and strangers." Data was collected from 89 parents from four culturally diverse regions of Ghana. A systematic inductive approach was used to determine patterns and similarities in participants' attitudes toward reporting. We note that the attitudes of participants about reporting CSA varied considerably; these are influenced by the nature of social relationships between the victim and perpetrator. In a seeming order of severity, CSA perpetrated by a family member was viewed less seriously compared to victimization by a teacher or a stranger. The desire to preserve familial/kin ties and reputation and keeping to the cultural heritage of resolving "disputes and disagreements" amicably were primary norms against reporting CSA. However, attitudes toward reporting CSA by teachers were influenced by expectation of higher moral standards, which made reporting CSA by a teacher a reasonable cause of action. Positive attitudes toward reporting CSA by "strangers" were prevalent. Child protection programs must recognzse the segmented attitudes toward CSA and tackle the deep-seated cultural and social norms through social and behavioral change communication (SBCC).
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Suleiman Garba A. Child sexual abuse in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria: A review of 420 police-reported cases. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:241-258. [PMID: 36710427 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2170844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse affects millions of children globally but in Nigeria, hospital-based studies continue to report few cases, making it difficult to assess the magnitude and quality of care. This study aimed to overcome this challenge by reviewing police medical reports instead of hospital records. A total of 420 reports were retrieved from one police area command in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria, between 2018 and 2021. The majority of the victims were females (65.5%), 5-14 years (70.2%), and familiar with their assailants (71.4%). Most of the assailants were men (99.0%), 20-40 years (29.1%), who acted alone (86.7%). Most of the reports contained history (79.3%), physical examination (49.6%), and laboratory results (>90%). Among female victims, the commonest genital findings were absent hymen (25.6%) and normal findings (17.6%). Among male victims, the commonest anal findings were normal findings (41.7%) and anal dilatation (23.6%). The victims tested positive for HIV (0.5%), hepatitis B (4.7%), hepatitis C (1.0%), and syphilis (0.8%). Higher positivity rates were noted among assailants. Treatments offered to the victims included antibiotics (30.2%), analgesics (11.9%), emergency contraception (6.7%), and psychotherapy (67.4%). The review calls for improved reporting, use of comprehensive treatment guideline, and training of service providers to improve the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auwal Suleiman Garba
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Institute of Child Health, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
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9
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McGill L, McElvaney R. Adult and Adolescent Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse: A Comparative Analysis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1163-NP1186. [PMID: 35481775 PMCID: PMC9723505 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221088278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The recent attention focused on child sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure pathways has highlighted complex psychological processes that influence disclosure both for children and adults. Some authors have suggested that such processes may differ between children and adults yet few studies have examined distinct samples within the same study. This paper addresses this gap by exploring adolescent (n = 20) and adult (n = 10) experiences of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse. Interviews were conducted with both samples, using the same interview schedule and a comparative analysis was conducted of the key themes identified from a grounded theory analysis. Those themes that were found to be common to both samples included pressure cooker effect, telling would make it worse, and self-blame. Themes that were found to be more prevalent in the adolescent sample included police/court involvement, concern for other children, being asked, and peer influence. It is suggested that such potential differences reflect the changing social context over the past few decades which is characterised by increased awareness of sexual abuse as a crime and the risks of recidivism of offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy McGill
- Rosaleen McElvaney, School of Nursing,
Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosaleen McElvaney
- Rosaleen McElvaney, School of Nursing,
Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- St Clare's Unit, Children's Health Ireland
at Connolly, Blanchardstown, Dublin
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10
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Lavoie J, Williams S, Lyon TD, Quas JA. Do children unintentionally report maltreatment? Comparison of disclosures of neglect versus sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 133:105824. [PMID: 35970086 PMCID: PMC9999469 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Children's initial reports often play a key role in the identification of maltreatment, and a sizeable amount of scientific research has examined how children disclose sexual and physical abuse. Although neglect constitutes a large proportion of maltreatment experiences, relatively little attention has been directed toward understanding whether and how children disclose neglect. The overarching aim of the present study was to document this process by comparing disclosure patterns in cases of neglect to those in cases of sexual abuse. METHOD Redacted jurisdiction reports (N = 136) of substantiated dependency cases of neglect (n = 71) and sexual abuse (n = 65) in 4- to 17-year-olds were coded for why maltreatment was suspected, and for children's perceived awareness and disclosure of the maltreatment. RESULTS Neglect was most often initially suspected via contact with emergency services (e.g., police, emergency medical services), whereas sexual abuse was most often initially suspected as a result of children's statements. Children evidenced greater perceived awareness of sexual abuse than neglect and were more likely to disclose the former in their first investigative interview. Perceived awareness was further associated with a higher likelihood of children's statements initiating discovery of maltreatment and disclosing in the first investigative interview. CONCLUSIONS Children may benefit from greater knowledge about their needs for safety, supervision, and provision in the home, which could increase the likelihood they would disclose neglect. Such, in turn, could lead to earlier interventions for children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lavoie
- University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education & Sport Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Shanna Williams
- McGill University, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology Education Building, 3700 McTavish St, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Thomas D Lyon
- University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, 699 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0071, United States of America
| | - Jodi A Quas
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Psychological Science, 4328 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
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11
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Elliott SA, Goodman KL, Bardwell ES, Mullin TM. Reactions to the disclosure of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: Findings from the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 127:105567. [PMID: 35278820 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, disclosure can be helpful or harmful depending on how recipients respond. Despite a growing body of literature examining reactions to disclosure, little is known about the experiences of current CSA victims, particularly those abused by family. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe and explore the initial disclosure experiences of intrafamilial CSA victims, and whether reactions varied based on the type of disclosure recipient. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This study utilized anonymous, archival data from the US-based National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (NSAOH), and focused on a sample of 224 intrafamilial CSA victims who had previously disclosed to one type of recipient. METHODS NSAOH staff summarized children's disclosure experiences via an open-ended survey field. Data were independently coded using the Social Reactions Questionnaire. RESULTS Nearly three-fourths (73%) of children described receiving a negative reaction to disclosure. Negative reactions included distracting or dismissing the victim (33%), not believing the victim (29%), or retaliating or responding violently following disclosure (10%). Children most frequently disclosed abuse to non-offending family (66%), friends (17%), and formal support providers (12%). Relative to friends and intimate partners, victims were more likely to discuss negative reactions from family (49% v 87%, respectively, Cramer's V = 0.33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Disclosing to non-offending family may be unproductive and potentially harmful for some children. This study has implications for disclosure-related planning protocols on anonymous hotlines. Findings underscore the importance of educating the public, and parents in particular, about how to respond to CSA disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon A Elliott
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Kimberly L Goodman
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Emma S Bardwell
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Tara M Mullin
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Research and Evaluation, 1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America.
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12
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Yurteri N, Erdoğan A, Büken B, Yektaş Ç, Çelik MS. Factors affecting disclosure time of sexual abuse in children and adolescents. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14881. [PMID: 34863001 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting early and delayed disclosure time of child sexual abuse (CSA). Early disclosure of CSA is considered to be crucial for child protection. METHODS A total of 125 sexually abused children and adolescents, who had been evaluated by child adolescent psychiatry and forensic medicine specialists, were enrolled in this study. Files of medical and criminal data were analyzed retrospectively and synchronously by child adolescent psychiatrist and forensic medicine specialist authors who had evaluated victims using the standard procedures of Düzce University Faculty of Medicine Child Abuse Assessment Council. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate predictors. RESULTS Delayed disclosers were found to be younger than early disclosers. Among the delayed disclosers, there were also more victims of intrafamilial CSA, fewer victims of penetration, and fewer voluntary disclosures. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that "younger age" and "intrafamilial CSA" were independent predictors of delayed disclosure of CSA. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study contribute to an understanding of the factors related to delayed disclosure and underline the need for age-appropriate education and prevention programs targeted to increase the awareness of sexual abuse, particularly intrafamilial abuse, and to promote voluntary disclosure in children and adolescents, especially for younger age groups. The education of potential recipients of CSA and further education of professionals is extremely important in order to support children and adolescents' voluntary disclosure of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihal Yurteri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Düzce University Faculty of Medicine, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Ayten Erdoğan
- Department of Psychology, İstanbul Gelişim University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bora Büken
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Düzce University Faculty of Medicine, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Yektaş
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Saki Çelik
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Düzce University Faculty of Medicine, Düzce, Turkey
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13
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Gewehr E, Hensel B, Volbert R. Predicting disclosure latency in substantiated cases of child sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105346. [PMID: 34627040 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children who experience sexual abuse (CSA) often delay disclosure, thus impeding early interventions. This study explores predictors of disclosure latency in a sample of forensically substantiated cases. METHODS Court files were analyzed for a total of 124 cases of CSA. The ground truth of the alleged victims' statements had been substantiated by at least one inclusion criterion-an evaluation of the alleged victims' statement as credible by psychological experts applying Statement Validity Assessment (SVA), or the conviction of the suspected offender by the court. Six possible predictors of disclosure latency were tested individually and in a joint negative binomial regression model. RESULTS Younger age of the child at abuse onset and intrafamilial (vs. extrafamilial) child-perpetrator relationships (including stepparents) were associated with prolonged disclosure latency. No predictive evidence was found for the child's gender, severity of abuse, or offender's usage of violent or nonphysical strategies to prevent disclosure. CONCLUSION This study contributes to understanding the processes of disclosure by reassessing formerly identified predictors of disclosure latency in a sample of forensically substantiated cases. Results are in line with suggestions to further develop effective prevention programs for younger children (e.g., for elementary school) and to explicitly discuss the issue of intrafamilial abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Gewehr
- Universität Kassel, Holländische Straße 36-38, 34127 Kassel, Germany; Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Am Köllnischen Park 2, 10179 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Brigitte Hensel
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Germany.
| | - Renate Volbert
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Germany; Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Am Köllnischen Park 2, 10179 Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Guyon R, Fernet M, Dussault É, Gauthier-Duchesne A, Cousineau MM, Tardif M, Godbout N. Experiences of Disclosure and Reactions of Close Ones from the Perspective of Child Sexual Abuse Survivors: A Qualitative Analysis of Gender Specificities. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2021; 30:806-827. [PMID: 34351837 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2021.1942369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA) is a complex process that remains partially understood, despite its crucial role in survivors' recovery. Gender specific experiences of disclosure have been little investigated while this information is crucial to better tailor interventions for survivors. This qualitative study aims to 1) explore survivors' experiences in disclosing to close ones, and 2) contrast experiences of male and female survivors. Fifty-one CSA survivors (25 women and 26 men) aged 18 years or older were recruited via community services for survivors. Two main categories emerged from thematic content analysis: 1) experiences of disclosure hindering CSA recovery or 2) ones fostering CSA recovery. Men felt ignored when their close ones were focused on their own emotions of indifference, helplessness and guilt toward CSA. Men felt guilty when confronted with reactions of blame for their own inaction or disempowered when pressured to remain silent or to forgive. Women felt ignored when their close ones showed anger toward their perpetrator. Women felt guilty when they were held accountable for CSA events or disempowered when pressured to take legal actions. Women, but not men, reported feeling considered through caring and heart-to-heart discussions. Recommendations for awareness messages and practitioners are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Guyon
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mylène Fernet
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Monique Tardif
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Solberg ET, Halvorsen JE, Stige SH. What Do Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse Believe Will Facilitate Early Disclosure of Sexual Abuse? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:639341. [PMID: 34194343 PMCID: PMC8236530 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.639341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore what adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) believe will facilitate early disclosure of sexual abuse. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adult survivors of CSA aged 18-57 years, and analyzed the transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis resulted in three main themes: Adults making it possible to tell; Adults daring to consider the unthinkable; and Conveying knowledge of CSA that facilitates understanding. The findings highlighted the importance of adults facilitating disclosure and making it possible for survivors to tell about their experiences, but also the responsibility adults have to dare to consider the possibility of CSA when children struggle. Another important finding was the significance of enhancing the general population's understanding of the complexity of CSA, including why disclosure is difficult, so adults are given the tools needed to understand and know what to do when they suspect CSA. The findings also have important implications for the planning and implementation of interventions to facilitate early disclosure of CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Tvedt Solberg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Helse Fonna, Haugesund, Norway
| | - Jorunn E Halvorsen
- Department of Health and Welfare Services, Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Winters GM, Colombino N, Schaaf S, Laake ALW, Jeglic EL, Calkins C. Why do child sexual abuse victims not tell anyone about their abuse? An exploration of factors that prevent and promote disclosure. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2020; 38:586-611. [PMID: 33251613 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Disclosure rates of child sexual abuse (CSA) to both social supports and law enforcement are concerningly low, although more research is needed to understand factors that impact disclosure. Thus, the present study examined rates of informal (i.e., to a social support) and formal (i.e., to law enforcement) disclosure of CSA, as well as victims' self-reported experiences with telling others about their own abuse and their perceptions of the overall advantages and disadvantages of disclosure. In all, 76 undergraduate women (who collectively experienced 105 instances of abuse) participated in a semi-structured interview regarding their history of CSA. Results revealed that approximately 50% of cases involved the victim informally disclosing, and only 10% of cases being formally disclosed to authorities. The quantitative and qualitative data shed light on a number of factors that lead victims to not disclose, as well as the identification of factors that may promote a victim to share their abuse with others. The implications for improved prevention and responses to CSA disclosure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Winters
- School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
| | - Niki Colombino
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Schaaf
- School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth L Jeglic
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Calkins
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA
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