Family Responses to the Identification of Extra-Familial Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

The response of family members to the identification of non-incestuous child sexual abuse plays a critical role in determining the extent and duration of the effects of the abuse on the child. An adaptive familial response consists of: believing the child; protecting the child; focusing on the child; accepting the child's feelings; maintaining an image of the child as a survivor. Such a response helps the child acknowledge and integrate a range of feelings. Maladaptive familial responses impede this process by creating new difficulties for the child within the family. Five common maladaptive familial responses (denial, blaming the child, parental guilt, rage at the assailant, damaged image of the child) are examined and suggestions for intervention are made.