Cultural and Religious Influences in Maternal Response to Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse: Charting New Territory for Research and Treatment

• NCJ Number: 195510
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 41-60
• Author(s): Ramona Alaggia
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports findings from a study using the grounded theory method to explore facets of maternal response and aspects of more and less supportive responses to children who were sexually abused by the mother’s intimate partner.

Abstract

The study of maternal response to intrafamilial child sexual abuse is an area of study that has received increased interest from professionals in the field of helping such victims. In addition, there has been minimal investigation into cultural and religious factors that influence maternal response. This study attempted to address this issue by asking mothers directly about their responses. To do this, the grounded theory method was employed to elucidate factors that enhanced or impeded supportive maternal response. The study sample consisted of 10 mothers drawn from agencies specializing in services for sexually abused children. The mothers’ ages ranged from 25 to 43 years with an average of two children per family. A description of the mothers’ educational, socioeconomic, employment, religious, and cultural background was provided. Based on the mothers’ accounts, eight definitely believed their child’s disclosure and two stated that they believed that sexual abuse had occurred upon disclosure but did not initially believe that the perpetrator was her intimate partner. The data suggested that culture as it related to religion, family preservation, and embedded value systems had considerable impact on maternal response and warranted further investigation. In summation, mothers who were strongly influenced by cultural and religious beliefs that placed high value on family preservation and chose to adhere to traditional religious schemas were likely to be perceived as compromising their support to the child victim. This study clarified facets of maternal response, identified cultural and religious influences, and highlighted difficulties in service provision. References