NCJ Number
145975
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 17 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1993) Pages: 755-766
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The authors investigated the impact of a mother's childhood history and current functioning upon her foster care decisions and the psychological status of her sexually abused daughter.
Abstract
The subjects were 68 sexually abused black girls aged 5 through 16, and their nonoffending mothers. In all the cases, the perpetrator was well known to the victim but not necessarily a family member. The mothers were interviewed, and were administered the Child Behavior Checklist. Mothers who reported a history of sexual abuse or poor relationships with their parents were more likely than others to be substance abusers. In turn, mothers who used drugs or had inadequate social support were less willing or able to protect or to provide emotional support to their children, who, in turn, suffered more extensive abuse. Low maternal support was found to be related to poor child functioning and to decisions to place children in foster care. The findings suggest that drug treatment and intervention programs should aim to reduce social isolation of nonoffending mothers. When applicable, counseling should be provided to help mothers resolve issues of past victimization. 2 tables and 48 references