How Parents Manage the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse: A Grounded Theory

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand how parents manage the risk of child sexual abuse, including prevention as well as early intervention and detection strategies. Using a social constructivist theoretical foundation and grounded theory methods, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with Australian parents between 2006 and 2008. Based on the data, a balance theory was developed, which explains how parents attempt to balance the type of information given to children in order to protect their children from sexual abuse without scaring them as well as how parents manage sexual boundary crossing incidents experienced by their children in the context of complex social relationships. Implications for prevention programs as well as reporting of child sexual abuse are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• child sexual abuse
• parents
• grounded theory
• prevention
• early intervention
• social constructivism
• Australia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors greatly acknowledge James Cook University School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine, and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Arts and Social Sciences.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Georgia Babatsikos

Georgia Babatsikos, MPH, PhD, is a lecturer in the School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Australia. Her current research interests include child sexual abuse prevention and sexual health of university students. She received her MPH from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and her PhD from James Cook University, Australia.

Debra Miles

Debra Miles, MSW, PhD, is an associate professor in social work and human services at James Cook University, Australia. Her current research interests include feminist social work practice, particularly in child protection, women’s services, violence against women, and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She received her MSW and PhD from James Cook University, Australia.