Bridging the Gap: Understanding non-offending parental responses to their children's sexual abuse
Date
2020
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Publisher
National Louis University
Abstract
The parental response to children's disclosure of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is the
most critical and important factor regarding the child's post trauma trajectory and overall trauma
resolution. Understanding parental responses and the factors that prompt acceptance versus
disbelief among the non-offending parent (NOP) is vital to childrenĀ¶s success following
disclosure given the weight of the NOPs response and its impact on long-term consequences of
CSA. This literature review provides a comprehensive summary of what may deter the NOP
from recognizing intrafamilial sexual abuse, factors that may contribute to the NOPs disbelief
following disclosure, and possible clinical implications of such information. It was found that
there may be several deterrents regarding recognizing CSA such as the child's presentation
during periods of abuse, the perpetrator's grooming techniques, socioeconomic factors, and the
presence of maladaptive coping skills among the NOP. Further, several possible factors that
contribute to the NOPs disbelief following the child's disclosure were identified such as the
NOPs relationship with the perpetrator, the NOP-child relationship, the NOPs mental health and
degree of functioning, and the child's decision not to disclose.
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Keywords
child sexual abuse, disclosure, non offending caregiver, research, intrafamilial sexual abuse
Citation
LaTreill, P. (2020). Bridging the Gap: Understanding non-offending parental responses to their children's sexual abuse. National Louis University.