The Impact of Child Sexual Abuse Discovery on Caregivers and Families: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In this qualitative study with nonoffending caregivers of suspected child sexual abuse victims, we aimed to explore the perceived impact of sexual abuse discovery on caregivers and their families, and caregivers' attitudes about mental health services for themselves. We conducted semistructured, in-person interviews with 22 nonoffending caregivers of suspected sexual abuse victims <13 years old seen at a child advocacy center in Philadelphia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using modified grounded theory. Recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached. We found that caregivers experienced significant emotional and psychological distress, characterized by anger, depressed mood, and guilt, after learning that their child may have been sexually abused. We identified four specific sources of caregiver distress: concerns about their child, negative beliefs about their parenting abilities, family members' actions and behaviors, and memories of their own past maltreatment experiences. Some caregivers described worsening family relationships after discovery of their child's sexual abuse, while others reported increased family cohesion. Finally, we found that most caregivers in this study believed that mental health services for themselves were necessary or beneficial to help them cope with the impact of their child's sexual abuse. These results highlight the need for professionals working with families affected by sexual abuse to assess the emotional and psychological needs of nonoffending caregivers and offer mental health services. Helping caregivers link to mental health services, tailored to their unique needs after sexual abuse discovery, may be an acceptable strategy to improve caregiver and child outcomes after sexual abuse.

Intervention Strategies for Promoting Recovery and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse

“…Nonoffending caregivers are primary supports for children who have been victims of CSA and the need for specific and tailored interventions for nonoffending caregivers is increasingly recognized in the literature and caregiver support has been identified as a crucial factors in children's recovery from CSA [32]. Caregiver interventions following sexual abuse of their child aim to reduce caregiver distress, increase adaptive caregiver coping as well as enhance support of the child [33]. Nonoffending caregivers have been referred to as "overlooked victims" in child sexual abuse cases [34].…”

“…Nonoffending caregivers have been referred to as "overlooked victims" in child sexual abuse cases [34]. A recent qualitative study with nonoffending caregivers of children under 13 who had been victims of CSA found that the majority of caregivers reported mental health services were necessary and beneficial for themselves to help them cope with the impact of their child's CSA [33]. Interventions for nonoffending caregivers may include group and/or individual treatment focusing on psychoeducation, information, supports, parenting guidance, and dealing with their own victimization (if relevant).…”

Working With Nonoffending Caregivers of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused: Common Challenges and Effective Strategies

“…Some caregivers find their child's traumatic stress symptoms to be a traumatic experience for themselves. Many experience significant amounts of emotional and psychological distress (Fong et al, 2020), with the potential for the caregivers to develop their own posttraumatic stress symptoms (E. Cohen, 2008;Saltzman et al, 2008). Nonoffending caregivers often experience their child's abuse as psychologically traumatic, with specific sources of distress including concerns about the child, and their parenting abilities, and the reactions and actions of the family system (Fong et al, 2020;Ford & Saltzman, 2009).…”

“…Future research that explores the experiences of caregivers would contribute essential perspectives to our understanding of caregiver challenges and effective strategies. Fong et al (2020) interviewed nonoffending caregivers, exploring the impact their child's abuse had on them and their families. Their findings stress the emotional and psychological impact the abuse has on caregivers and the family system, but also highlight that caregivers see the usefulness in their own mental health support and desire to receive services.…”

Increasing Prevention Knowledge of Sexual Violence and Emotional Maturity on Children through the Mini-Movie Media

“…The increasing cases of sexual violence can have a negative impact on victims, such as physical and psychological damage in the form of mental trauma, depression (Wheeler & McElvaney, 2017). Behaviors of sexual violence in children with physical or emotional abuse can impact the development of sexual behavior and aggression that are harmful to the child's Future (Fong et al, 2017).…”