Cultures of Abuse Within Residential Child Care

Abstract

This paper outlines the findings from and implications of recent research into residential childcare establishments. It is conducted with an initial primary focus on the handling and manifestation of sexuality and sexual abuse issues within residential childcare settings ‐‐ predominantly children's homes. It also aims to explore the features and cultures of residential settings which could contribute to abusive practices. Although the main emphasis is the exploration of sexuality, there will be illustration of the ways in which sexual abuse is inextricably linked with other abusive practices. The analysis and conclusions are based on approximately ninety interviews with respondents associated with various residential child care settings and ex‐residents, as well as intensive research utilising ethnographic techniques and documentary analysis in two settings. The paper will initially contextualize the research by providing a brief illustrative background including theoretical issues around sexuality in organisations. The section on methodology will explore dilemmas and issues around researching sexuality, children and abusive practices. The findings will then demonstrate the part leadership and authority play in contributing to and maintaining abusive and potentially abusive practices in these institutionalised settings. The denial and invisibility of sexuality will also be demonstrated along with separate but interlinking abusive staff and children's cultures. The conclusion suggests ways in which abusive practices could be addressed and minimised and the necessity for a re‐evaluation of residential childcare.