NCJ Number
154473
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 371-384
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
In this retrospective study, 82 children and their families were interviewed about their experiences with disclosure and intervention in child sexual abuse situations an average of 3.5 years later.
Abstract
Subjects were selected from children seen at a sexual assault center between 1980 and 1984; the children were at least 8 years old at the time of the study. The findings show that children's reactions to disclosure and intervention varied considerably. Although some experiences are associated with increased distress, others are not. The two experiences that would be expected to produce the most distress -- separation as a result of disclosure and testifying in court -- were not correlated with level of impact. Talking with a detective or prosecutor, having a medical exam, expecting to testify, or having contact with more system people was associated with more distress for both children and parents. The children's comments on disclosure confirm that it is a difficult decision. They described wanting to tell someone, but having many fears about the reactions of others. Still, the children all reported that disclosure was the best course of action. They believed that their emotional recovery and stopping the abuse, both of themselves and others, will occur only if it is reported. Intervention is an inevitable result of disclosure. Child abuse must be reported and investigated; children who may be hurt should be examined, and children in danger should be protected. 4 tables and 10 references