Factors influencing children to self-disclose sexual abuse

Date

2002

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Clinical Psychology Review

Abstract

Description

Self-disclosure by victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) is critical to initiate legal and therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, research indicates that lengthy delays in disclosure and even nondisclosure are common. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the clinical and research literature on CSA and an overview of related bodies of literature. Areas addressed include the context of sexual abuse as it relates to disclosure, the context and elements of children's disclosures, motivational factors inhibiting disclosure, and models of the disclosure process. Ancillary and analogue research on secrecy and disclosure are also reviewed. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Keywords

Abuse-sexual, Best Practices-Research, Disclosure, Law enforcement, Research

Citation

DOI