Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Investigating the relationship between childhood sexual abuse, self-harm repetition and suicidal intent: mixed-methods study.

Research into the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and self-harm repetition is limited. We aimed to examine the association between self-harm repetition, mental health conditions, suicidal intent and CSA experiences among people who frequently self-harm. A mixed-methods study was conducted including consecutive patients aged ≥18 years, with five or more self-harm presentations, in three Irish hospitals. Information was extracted from psychiatric records and patients were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data was collected and analysed with a mixed-methods, convergent parallel design. In tandem, the association between CSA and self-harm repetition, suicidal intent and mental health conditions was examined with logistic regression models and independent sample t-test, with psychiatric records data. Thematic analysis was conducted with interview data, to explore CSA experiences and self-harm repetition. Between March 2016 and July 2019, information was obtained on 188 consecutive participants, with 36 participants completing an interview. CSA was recorded in 42% of the total sample and 72.2% of those interviewed. CSA was positively associated with self-harm repetition (odds ratio 6.26, 95% CI 3.94-9.94, P = 0.00). Three themes emerged when exploring participants' CSA experiences: CSA as a precipitating factor for self-harm, secrecy of CSA accentuating shame, and loss experiences linked to CSA and self-harm. CSA was frequently reported among people who frequently self-harm, and associated with self-harm repetition. Identification of patients at risk of repetition is key for suicide prevention. This is an at-risk group with particular characteristics that must be considered; comprehensive patient histories can help inform and tailor treatment pathways.

Association of childhood physical and sexual abuse with arthritis in adulthood: Findings from a population-based study.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate childhood physical and sexual abuse as factors associated with arthritis among adults from selected states in the United States. Data for this study came from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. An analytic sample of 75,717 adults 18-75years old (49.7% female) was analyzed using log-binomial regression. The outcome variable investigated in this study was arthritis, and the main explanatory variables were childhood physical and sexual abuse. Of the 75,717 respondents examined, 20,938 (representing 27.6%) had arthritis. A little over one in four respondents (25.5%) experienced childhood physical abuse and 5.6% experienced childhood sexual abuse by age 18. In the multivariable regression, respondents who experienced childhood physical abuse had 1.36 times the risk of having arthritis when compared to respondents who did not experience childhood physical abuse (ARR=1.36, p<.001, 95% CI=1.28-1.46). Respondents who experienced childhood sexual abuse had 1.60 times the risk of having arthritis when compared to respondents who did not experience childhood sexual abuse (ARR=1.74, p<.001, 95% CI=1.54-1.97). The findings of this study demonstrate that childhood physical and sexual abuse are associated with arthritis later in adulthood. The associations persisted even after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), current smoking status, and self-perceived physical health. The findings of this study add to the burgeoning number of studies demonstrating the adverse impact of childhood physical and sexual abuse on chronic health outcomes among adults.

‘Black Holes’ in memory: Childhood autobiographical memory loss in adult survivors of child sexual abuse

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between child sexual abuse (CSA) and components related to the CSA experience, betrayal, dissociative amnesia, and childhood autobiographical memory loss (CAML). The a priori hypothesis was that components related to the CSA experience (such as abuse characteristics, disclosure characteristics, betrayal, and dissociative amnesia) would act as direct risk factors/predictors for CAML. It was further hypothesized that betrayal and dissociative amnesia would each act as a mediator of the relationships between these components related to the CSA experience and CAML. This retrospective survey was conducted online, anonymously, and contained a sample of 297 participants who were adult survivors of CSA. Data was analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, as well as path analysis. The results of this study suggest that betrayal, dissociation, duration of abuse, and dissociative amnesia had direct effects on CAML, and age at onset of abuse had indirect effects on CAML through dissociative amnesia. These results have both research and clinical implications, in terms of both prevention and intervention with survivors of CSA.

Co-occurrence subgroups of child sexual abuse, health risk behaviors and their associations among secondary school students in China

BackgroundLittle is known on the co-occurrence and heterogeneity of child sexual abuse (CSA) or health risk behavior (HRB) prevalence nor the associations among the victims.ObjectivesTo detect the prevalence and subgroups of adolescents reporting CSAs or HRBs, and to examine the association between the subgroups.MethodsParticipants were secondary school students in a national survey in China (N = 8746). Self-reported CSA and HRB experiences were collected through a computer assisted questionnaire. Prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated. Multigroup latent class analysis (LCA) was used to examine latent subgroups of CSA and HRB. Dual latent class regression analysis was used to examine the association between CSA and HRB classes.ResultsA total of 8746 students participated in our study. The prevalence of having ever experienced any of the reported seven CSA items was 12.9%. The preferred LCA model consisted of a three-class CSA latent variable, i.e. “Low CSAs”(95.7% of the total respondents), “Verbal or exhibitionism CSAs”(3.3%), and “high multiple CSAs” (1.1%); and a three-class HRB latent variable, i.e. “Low HRBs”(70.5%), “externalizing HRBs” (20.7%), and “internalizing HRBs” (8.7%). Students in the “Verbal or exhibitionism CSAs” or “high multiple CSAs” classes had higher probabilities of being in “externalizing HRBs” or “internalizing HRBs” classes. The probabilities were higher in “high multiple CSAs” class(male externalizing OR 4.05, 95%CI 1.71–9.57; internalizing OR 11.77, 95%CI 4.76–29.13; female externalizing OR 4.97, 95%CI 1.99–12.44; internalizing OR 9.87, 95%CI 3.71–26.25) than those in “Verbal or exhibitionism CSA”(male externalizing OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.50–4.20; internalizing OR 3.08, 95%CI 1.48–6.40; female externalizing OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.63–3.95; internalizing OR 6.05, 95%CI 3.73–9.80).ConclusionsPrevalence of CSA items varies. Non-contact CSAs are the most common forms of child sexual abuse among Chinese school students. There are different latent class co-occurrence patterns of CSA items or HRB items among the respondents. CSA experiences are in association with HRB experiences and the associations between latent classes are dose-responded. Multi-victimization has more significantly negative effects. The results could help identify high-risk subgroups and promote more nuanced interventions addressing adverse experiences and risk behaviors among at-risk adolescents.

Sexual and physical abuse and depressive symptoms in the UK Biobank

BackgroundThe association between sexual and physical abuse and subsequent depression is well-established, but the associations with specific depressive symptoms and sex differences remain relatively understudied. We investigated the associations of sexual and physical abuse with depressive symptoms in men and women in a large population cohort.MethodsObservational study based on 151,396 UK Biobank participants. Exposures included self-reported experiences of childhood physical abuse and sexual abuse. Mid-life outcomes included current depressive symptoms score, individual depressive symptoms, and lifetime depression. We used logistic regression to test associations of childhood sexual/physical abuse with depressive outcomes.ResultsRecalled childhood sexual and physical abuse were both associated with current depressive symptoms score in adults. Results for individual symptoms-based analyses suggest that sexual and physical abuse are associated with all depressive symptoms, particularly suicidal behaviours. The associations between lifetime depression and sexual/physical abuse were not fully explained by current depressive symptoms score, indicating that these findings may not be fully attributable to recall bias. There was no indication of differential risk for specific depressive symptoms among men and women.ConclusionsSexual and physical abuse are robust risk factors for depression/depressive symptoms regardless of sex. Higher risk of suicidal behaviours associated with childhood sexual/physical abuse are of particular concern. Longitudinal research into sex-specific associations for individual depressive symptoms is required.

Spanish Women's Experiences of Child Sexual Abuse.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a type of maltreatment that women appear to be at higher risk of. In Spain, studies are scarce and outdated. The objective of this study was to analyze the experiences of CSA in a sample of Spanish women. The sample comprised 968 women (M = 39.82 years, SD = 12.71). Participants completed an anonymous online survey about their childhood experiences. The prevalence of CSA ranged from 9.8% to 53.1%, and most commonly involved being rubbed against or fondled. The first episode most frequently occurred between 6 and 12 years old, and the perpetrator was commonly a man, either a family member or stranger. Half of the women told someone about the experience, usually their mother or a peer. The earlier the first experience, the higher the number of different types of sexual abuse, with more physical contact and more perpetrators. Generation Z (age 18-23) reported the fewest instances of CSA. Women reported high rates of CSA experiences, although the youngest generation seems to be more protected. The paper discusses the experiences reported, the women's age at the time of the first episode, the relationship to the perpetrator, and generational differences, as well as the importance of providing up-to-date information about CSA.

Psychological intervention with adult victims of sexual abuse: A comprehensive review.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a phenomenon that is ubiquitous to all cultures and social classes. It has short- and long-term consequences, with specific treatment models that have been developed and adapted from psychological intervention models. A wide variety of studies have sought to evaluate the results of treatments with adult CSA survivors. This study presents an overview of research on the treatment of adult victims of CSA, by reviewing the existing literature on the types of treatment and the most studied psychotherapeutic avenues, and reports the findings related to the efficacy of these treatments. It is possible to conclude that psychological intervention exhibits benefits in the reduction of symptoms resulting from the experience of CSA and demonstrates the need to conduct further research on the effectiveness of intervention.

How Adults Tell: A Study of Adults' Experiences of Disclosure to Child Protection Social Work Services

This paper presents the findings of a study examining adult disclosures of childhood sexual abuse to child protection social work services in the Republic of Ireland. Limited literature indicates that adults can have negative experiences when disclosing childhood abuse; this is primarily owing to a lack of training, policy and guidance for practitioners, and legal complexities regarding allegations of abuse. This study used a biographic‐narrative interpretive method (BNIM) to gather the experiences of adults who engaged with child protection social work services. The findings were analysed using both BNIM panel analysis and open, axial and selective coding. Six main themes were identified, and the findings are discussed under three headings: (1) the system as a barrier presents the various influences that acted as barriers for adults coming forward to disclose; (2) issues of power examines the influence of power from the time of abuse throughout the adults' life courses and their interactions with services; and (3) the system as a facilitator presents practice and policy recommendations based on participants' narratives and the wider research literature. Implications for child protection practice in this extremely sensitive and sometimes controversial area are considered.‘This study used a biographic‐narrative interpretive method (BNIM) to gather the experiences of adults who engaged with child protection social work services’Key Practitioner Messages A number of complex socioecological factors need to be considered when receiving and assessing adult disclosures of childhood sexual abuse. Dynamics of abuse and disclosure may be similar; any understanding of an experience of childhood sexual abuse should also involve an understanding of experiences of disclosure. Basic practices such as providing information, clarity and frequent communication may address potentially harmful dynamics of power and control that can exist in respect of disclosure of childhood trauma.

Obstacles in the Process of Dealing With Child Sexual Abuse–Reports From Survivors Interviewed by the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany

Obstacles in dealing with child sexual abuse (CSA) can hinder survivors in the process of coming to terms with their experiences. The present study aims to identify and analyze factors that may pose obstacles in the long-term process of dealing with CSA. It is part of a larger research consortium “Auf-Wirkung,” funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and was conducted in cooperation with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany (IICSAG). The IICSAG was appointed by the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth in 2016. To determine responsibilities, recognize injustice, and further acknowledge the survivors of CSA in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the Independent Inquiry has held 1,303 private sessions with survivors of CSA by Oct. 17th, 2020. The present study focuses on exploring reoccurring problematic experiences reported by survivors in private sessions regarding the long-term process of dealing with experiences of CSA. A total of 30 transcripts of private sessions, conducted by members and appointees of the IICSAG between September 2016 and June 2019, were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Attendants of private sessions described a variety of obstacles, including negative social reactions to disclosure, institutions' unwillingness to elucidate occurrences of CSA within their midst, as well as general financial difficulties, and those linked to redress claims. Manipulative grooming by perpetrators and limited access to adequate psychotherapy were perceived as obstructive by survivors dealing with CSA. In the context of criminal proceedings, survivors reported long durations of court proceedings and negative experiences in connection to credibility assessment. Results will be discussed to better support survivors of CSA in the process of dealing with their experiences in the future.

Linking experiences of child sexual abuse to adult sexual intimate partner violence: the role of borderline personality features, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation, and dissociation

BackgroundChild sexual abuse (CSA) has been linked to a higher risk of sexual re-victimization, including sexual intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim of this study was to investigate whether borderline personality disorder (BPD) features, dissociation, and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation mediate the link between self-reported CSA severity and sexual IPV. Specifically, we were interested in the unique effect of each mediator variable, when accounting for the effect of the other variables.MethodsData was assessed in a cross-sectional anonymous online survey, posted on platforms for people affected by domestic violence, and research platforms of Leiden University. Overall, n = 633 participants completed the survey (including n = 100 participants with CSA and n = 345 reporting at least one incidence of sexual IPV). Multivariate regression analyses and path-analytical modelling were performed for hypothesis testing.ResultsAdult sexual IPV was predicted by more severe CSA, more severe BPD features, higher dissociation, and more maladaptive emotion regulation. Each mediator variable showed a significant effect in the separate mediation models. In the overall model, only dissociation and maladaptive emotion regulation, but not BPD features, mediated the association between CSA and sexual IPV.ConclusionsFindings add to the existing literature, suggesting that CSA severity, BPD features, dissociation, and maladaptive emotion regulation are important risk factors for sexual IPV. Given the cross-sectional correlational design of our study, prospective studies are needed to corroborate our findings regarding potential psychological mechanisms underlying sexual re-victimization. Ultimately, this can help developing interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse.

Association of depression, pain, resilience, social support with post-traumatic stress in sexual abuse: A quantile regression approach.

Post-traumatic stress levels and factors influencing the sexual abuse period may differ between victims. This cross-sectional study conducted a secondary analysis of primary online survey data extracted from a previous study. We examined the extent of trauma (types, timing) and depression, pain, resilience, and social support associated with post-traumatic stress affecting the post-traumatic stress percentile. Among 3000 adults aged 19-65 years, 1223 adults experienced childhood sexual abuse, adulthood sexual abuse, or childhood and adulthood sexual abuse. We conducted descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and simultaneous quantile regression. Quantile regression analysis showed the 80th percentile groups in childhood sexual abuse, education, depression, and social support were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress. Depression was significantly and positively associated with post-traumatic stress. Resilience was significantly and negatively associated with post-traumatic stress in adulthood sexual abuse victims. Depression and pain were significantly and positively associated with post-traumatic stress in childhood and adulthood sexual abuse victims. Post-traumatic stress severity and influencing factors differed according to victims' age when the sexual abuse occurred, implying interventions should be tailored to each victim's post-traumatic stress level.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD Related to Racial Discrimination

Current research suggests that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has benefit for the treatment of mental disorders. We report on the results of ketamine-assisted intensive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment of a client with treatment-resistant, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of experiences of racism and childhood sexual abuse. The client’s presenting symptoms included hypervigilance, social avoidance, feelings of hopelessness, and intense recollections. These symptoms impacted all areas of daily functioning. Psychoeducation was provided on how untreated intergenerational trauma, compounded by additional traumatic experiences, potentiated the client’s experience of PTSD and subsequent maladaptive coping mechanisms. Ketamine was administered four times over a 13-day span as an off-label, adjunct to psychotherapy. Therapeutic interventions and orientations utilized were mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP). New skills were obtained in helping the client respond effectively to negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of helplessness. Treatment led to a significant reduction in symptoms after completion of the program, with gains maintained 4 months post-treatment. This case study demonstrates the effective use of ketamine as an adjunct to psychotherapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.

Co-production of an e-resource to help women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenthood

BackgroundThis paper reports the development of a co-produced e-resource to support those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse through pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. These are times of major transition for any woman but can present particular challenges for those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Re-traumatisation during the perinatal period is common and can occur in ways that may not be anticipated by those involved. Survivors often do not disclose their abuse and the childbearing journey can be lonely.MethodsThe work was conducted in collaboration with The Survivors Trust and in keeping with the Survivor’s Charter. A participatory approach was used. There were two phases: the generation of new qualitative data and development of the resource. To encourage participation from this hidden population, data were collected by a variety of means including focus groups, telephone interviews and an on-line survey. Survivors who had children and those who hoped to one day participated. Resource development was facilitated by two workshops and email feedback.ResultsOverall, 37 women participated, all of whom were positive about development of the resource. Although many issues identified during data collection were specific to the participants’ history of abuse other areas of concern would be relevant for any woman contemplating the journey to parenthood. Women often assumed that they were alone in their concerns and were reassured to discover that others shared their experiences. The final resource is hosted on The Survivors Trust Website and is accessible from all electronic devices. It follows the journey from deciding to have a baby, pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period through to parenthood. Links are provided to further information and sources of support. The process of developing the resource used trauma-informed principles and it speaks with women’s words in a peer-to-peer voice.ConclusionsThis paper describes the development of an innovative and accessible e-resource that is based on the words and experiences of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It recognises the importance of control and feeling safe and aims to empower those who use the resource as they embark on pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.

Adolescent parental attachment and intimate relationship in adulthood: An investigation of contextual factors and long-term outcomes of child sexual abuse

The study aimed to examine how parental attachment at adolescence was related to intimate relational outcomes among female adults, including relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and relationship status. In addition, we investigated the moderation role of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience on the relation between perceived parental attachment (i.e., maternal and paternal) and the relational outcomes, using Wave I and Wave IV from the restricted-use dataset of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; Harris et al., 2009). The sample included 1201 female CSA survivors and 6094 female counterparts without a history of CSA. Using multiple-group Structure Equation Modeling (SEM), we found that CSA was a nonsignificant moderator of the relationship between perceived parental attachment during adolescence and adult intimate relational outcomes. Furthermore, we found that there was a significant difference in reported parental attachment, with those who were not abused reporting a higher level of both maternal and paternal attachment. We also found that maternal and paternal attachment reported in adolescence (assessed in Wave I) were significantly related to adult relational outcomes (measured in Wave IV). Clinical implications for systematic treatment and future research directions are discussed.

\u201cHow many times did I not want to live a life because of him\u201d: the complex connections between child sexual abuse, disclosure, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors

BackgroundMeta-analyses have confirmed an association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and non-suicidal and suicidal self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), yet the mechanisms linking these factors are, to date, poorly understood. The goal of the current study is to explore one potential influencing factor acting in the association between CSA and SITB, which is the disclosure experience. Disclosure has been identified as a prominent factor in the healing process of survivors, with a lack of support following disclosures heightening negative outcomes. Exploring the impact of CSA disclosure on SITB is necessary to build effective prevention and intervention strategies.MethodsThis qualitative study is part of a larger initiative spanning diverse research sites in Canada and in Ireland and aiming to lend voice to young people who were sexually abused in childhood/adolescence. Participants were recruited from community-based sexual abuse/assault agencies, hospital-based specialized clinics and child advocacy centres. The Long Interview Method, based on a branch of phenomenology, was used to guide research design and data collection. The current thematic analysis, informed by a stress-diathesis model, is based on a sample comprised of 21 ethnically diverse youth aged 15 to 25 who self-reported a sexual abuse experience in their childhood or teenage years and who, as part of the interview on their disclosure processes, revealed past or current SITB.ResultsThe thematic analysis led to the identification of four main themes that both confirmed past research and conceptual models on SITB, and provided new insights. Participants perceived a clear link between their CSA experience and SITB and other mental health issues. They offered their views on the meanings of SITB for CSA victims: to cope with abuse; to end the abuse; to express self-hatred and loneliness; and to let people know about their suffering. They described how negative disclosure experiences led to more nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Yet, participants also revealed that receiving support for their SITB created opportunities for CSA disclosure and support.ConclusionsThis study showed complex connections between CSA experiences, disclosure and nonsuicidal and suicidal SITB. Understanding the reciprocal influences between SITB, CSA disclosure and help-seeking could better equip mental health professionals and caregivers to provide support and foster healing and recovery in CSA victims.

The role of stigmatization in developing post-traumatic symptoms after experiencing child sexual abuse by a female perpetrator

ABSTRACT Background: The context in which individuals are exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) and reactions to the disclosure of such abuse experiences play a major role in post-traumatic mental health. Female-perpetrated CSA is an under-recognized issue in society and mental health care, and is therefore supposed to be a breeding ground for stigmatization. Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine the mediating role of internalized and anticipated stigma on the effects of so-called victim-blaming experiences and the perception of abuse in the childhood of survivors of female-perpetrated CSA on their post-traumatic symptom severity. Method: A total of 212 individuals who reported experiences of female-perpetrated CSA were assessed in an anonymous online survey. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) served as the primary outcome parameter for detecting differences in post-traumatic symptom severity within mediation analyses, where victim-blaming and abuse awareness served as predictors and anticipated as well as internalized stigma served as mediator variables. Results: Internalized stigma fully mediated the deteriorating effect of victim-blaming on post-traumatic symptom severity, while abuse awareness and anticipated stigma showed no statistically significant effects as predictor and mediator variables. Yet, victim-blaming had a significant increasing effect on anticipated stigma. Conclusions: Efforts to enhance awareness of female-perpetrated CSA in society are needed and mental health care professionals should pay attention to the adverse effects of victim-blaming and internalized stigma on post-traumatic symptoms in individuals affected by female-perpetrated CSA.

The effects of alexithymia, experiential avoidance, and childhood sexual abuse on non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation among Chinese college students with a history of childhood sexual abuse

Background: Although previous studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experiences might be related to suicide-related thoughts and behaviours in later life, the effects of alexithymia and experiential avoidance (EA) on this relationship have remained unclear. The present study aimed to expand prior findings among Chinese college students with a history of CSA in order to further test the effects of alexithymia on the relationship between CSA and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation (SI), and its indirect effects on NSSI and SI through EA.Methods: The Childhood Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire, and the Symptom Checklist were completed by 6,834 college students (3,829 female).Results: Overall, 1404 (20.76%) Chinese college students reported experiences of CSA; students with CSA experiences reported higher rates of SI and NSSI than those without CSA (12.82% vs. 4.50%, 35.11% vs. 20.82%). CSA, alexithymia, and EA were positively related to NSSI and SI. The effect of alexithymia on the relationship between CSA and NSSI and SI were significant. The effects of EA on the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI and SI were significant, too.Limitations: The major limitations of this study are its cross-sectional design and the use of self-report scales, especially retrospective self-reports (e.g., the Childhood Sexual Abuse Questionnaire).Conclusions: This study cast light on the effects of alexithymia, EA, and CSA on NSSI and SI in Chinese college students with a history of CSA. These findings can contribute to the prevention and treatment of suicide-related thoughts and behaviours.

The role of multiple attachments in intergenerational transmission of child sexual abuse among male victims

BackgroundAccording to Finkelhor (1984), difficulties child sexual abusers have in establishing adaptive adult relationships are a consequence of attachment problems with parents. Research shows that insecure attachment is associated with both the experience of child sexual abuse (CSA) as a victim and perpetration of CSA as an adult. Attachment may thus be a key factor in intergenerational transmission (IT) of CSA. ObjectiveThe study aims to examine the direct, interactive, and mediated effects linking attachment in different relationships (mother, father, romantic partner) to IT of CSA among male victims. Participants and settingThirty-two abusing and 27 non-abusing male CSA survivors were recruited, respectively, in a prison and via networks of former foster children or CSA victims. MethodAll participants completed the Attachment Multiple Model Interview to assess attachment along four dimensions (security, deactivation, hyperactivation, and disorganization) in the relationship with mother, father, and partner. ResultsPartial least square modeling suggests that the partner carries forward (mediates) the increased risk of committing sexual abuse associated with insecure/disorganized attachment with the father. A significant partner-mother interaction also suggests that the deleterious effects of attachment to the mother in terms of committing CSA are countered by more secure/organized attachment to the partner. ConclusionsFindings highlight the pivotal role of the romantic partner in IT of CSA. Beyond early intervention, therapy in adulthood aimed at fostering adaptive ways of finding emotional security in the relationship with an adult could thus be encouraged.

“It’s in Our Nature as Daughters to Protect Our Familias… You Know?”:The Privacy Rules of Concealing and Revealing Latina Child Sexual Abuse Experiences

ABSTRACT This study uses communication privacy management theory to offer an examination of the rule criteria that Latina survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) utilize to manage disclosure and privacy. Seven Latina women told their stories of CSA through the Indigenous methodology of testimonio. Their stories grant insight into the matrix of domination and underlying power structures within Latinx culture that impact their CSA disclosure. Latinas’ testimonios demonstrate the centering of the family when choosing to reveal and/or conceal their instances of CSA. Specifically, the study’s results indicate that in order to protect markers of identity and to avoid feeling familial shame, survivors choose to keep silent. Moreover, findings indicate that certain patriarchal principles encourage Latinas to uphold particular gender roles such as docility and purity which also impacts disclosure.

Space-time, offender, others and me: Towards a conceptual model of child sexual abuse based on survivors’ perspectives

Abstract The current manuscript introduces a theoretical framework for subjective experiences of child sexual abuse (CSA) based on studies with child and adult survivors. The model comprises four main domains: space-time (conventional and conceptual); offender (identity and abuse dynamics); others (family members and formal and informal figures and their absence or presence during and after the abuse); and me (self-perceptions during and after the abuse). Each of these domains is illustrated by qualitative studies, highlighting the model’s relevance to the survivors’ lived experience. The model stresses the importance of the four domains and their interrelations, which capture the multifaceted nature of CSA based on the subjective experiences of child survivors, whose voices are often silenced or oversimplified. Its contribution to future research and practice is discussed, with emphasis on its ability to inform future evaluation, intervention and prevention efforts.