Perceptions of the Role of Mothers in the Disclosure and Nondisclosure of Child Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

One of the aims of this research was to develop an understanding of the role mothers were perceived to play during the process of disclosure of child sexual abuse. Using narrative inquiry methodology, face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 22 men and women who had an early sexual experience. Even though a mother’s support and protection is known to be important, this study showed that many mothers were seen as unable to offer such support, which had an important influence on nondisclosure. The heterogeneity of perceptions of mothers among adults who experienced child sexual abuse and gender differences are described. Health professionals need to manage complex relational dynamics between adult survivors and their mothers.

KEYWORDS:

• adult survivor
• family
• gender issues
• incest
• mental health
• sexual abuse disclosure

Additional information

Funding

This article is based on the author’s PhD research conducted at the University of New England. The author has been granted permission by Radcliffe Publishing to use some of the quotations previously quoted in Childhood Sexual Experiences: Narratives of Resilience (Abingdon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing, 2009).

Notes on contributors

Sally V. Hunter

Sally Hunter, PhD, worked at the University of New England in New South Wales, Australia, for 12 years, teaching students counseling skills in the School of Health and the School of Rural Medicine.