NCJ Number
133366
Date Published
1985
Length
59 pages
Annotation
Based on the author's own experiences in working with survivors of sexual abuse and their families as well as the case histories of coworkers in a rape crisis center and women's shelter, this book provides information intended to help the mothers of incest victims cope and deal positively with what has happened.
Abstract
The first chapter provides information on some of the ways in which children have disclosed incest, common reactions of mothers to the disclosure of father-daughter incest, and helpful coping techniques mothers have used during this stressful time. Some case histories are discussed. The subsequent chapter addresses the needs of mothers following disclosure. Some of the topics discussed are memories of clues that the incest was occurring, relationship with the offender, the need to be assertive, the additional problem of being a battered woman, and the special difficulties when the child victim is a male or the mother is a lesbian. Suggestions pertain to the giving of priority to one's own needs, the development of a personal record, and how to find support. A chapter on the reporting of child sexual abuse considers what problems should be reported, the role of child protective services in dealing with incest, the sequence of events likely to occur at and after the report, parental rights in the legal process, and possible civil suits. A section on parenting issues reviews questions that commonly come to the minds of mothers of incest victims. Some cultural issues that arise in the context of dealing with incest are then discussed followed by a discussion of common religious issues and the dynamics of incest and how it can be prevented. 8 references and a directory of services in the United States