The Impact of Child, Family, and Child Protective Services Factors on Reports of Child Sexual Abuse Recurrence

Abstract

This study identified selected child factors (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, disabilities, prior victimization, and relationship to perpetrator of abuse), family risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, inadequate housing, and financial problems), and services provided by child protective services that likely increased reports of child sexual abuse recurrence by type of reporter. Survival analysis was conducted using the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System data set of 2002–2004. Child disability, being a prior victim, having a perpetrator as a caregiver, family financial problems, and receiving family supportive services increased the likelihood for reports of child sexual abuse by mandated reporters. Being Hispanic, having a disability, having a perpetrator as a caregiver, financial problems, and receiving family preservation services statistically decreased the likelihood for reports of child sexual abuse recurrence.

Keywords:

• child sexual abuse
• recurrence
• child protection
• family risk factors

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Allison N. Sinanan

Allison N. Sinanan, PhD, MSW, is a faculty member in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona, New Jersey.