Mothers' Survival Experiences in Cases of Incestuous Sexual Abuse of Girls 1

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the essence of the mother's survival experience and to understand the subjective meaning given to this experience. The respondents of this study were five mothers whose daughters were victims of incestuous abuse at the hands of their fathers. The data was analyzed using hermeneutic phenomenological methods and the study found that the essential meaning of the mothers experience can be characterized as breakdown followed by a process of healing. More specifically, there are three main stages in the subsequent experience of the mothers: 1) recognizing the severe and damaging breakdown within the family, 2) struggle and loneliness outside the family, and 3) rebuilding the family. Contrary to the traditional portrayal of mothers in such situations, this study found that mothers were neither passive nor lethargic in their recovery process, but rather active and positive in making decisions and choices as they were considerably influenced by their own socio-cultural values and relationships with people that surrounded them. Implications and suggestions are drawn from the findings of the study to suggest improved methods of dealing with women who have to face such tragic situations.