Negative Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: A Manifestation of Intolerance
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Victimology
Abstract
Description
Recently, there has been an increased societal focus on the boundaries of sexual
behaviours. During a time when victims and survivors of unwanted sexual experiences are encouraged to come forward, it is vital to understand what makes
people respond negatively to such disclosures. This study aimed to examine how
endorsement of stereotypical ideas of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and response
to CSA disclosures are related to various forms of attitudinal intolerance
(i.e., racism, sexism and sexual prejudice). We used a survey and vignette methodology with a sample (N = 160) of undergraduate students. Results indicated
that endorsement of CSA myths was positively related to all other variables of
attitudinal intolerance. With regards to a response to a CSA disclosure, belief
in the disclosure decreased as attitudinal intolerance increased. Similar to rape
myth endorsement, endorsement of CSA myths may represent another form
of intolerance, which only partially translates into a negative response to a CSA
disclosure. Implications for intervention are discussed.
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Keywords
child sexual abuse, disclosure, prejudice, intolerance, disclosure response
Citation
de Roos, M. S., Ryan, T., & Chang, J. C. (2023). Negative Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: A Manifestation of Intolerance. Journal of Victimology and Victim Justice, 25166069231184978.