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ERIC Number: ED506489
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Aug
Pages: 107
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Disclosure in Childhood Sexual Abuse
Whisnant, Roberta Ann
Online Submission, M.S. Thesis, Brenau University
Previous research involving adult survivors of CSA (childhood sexual abuse) indicates that approximately 77% of CSA victims did not report the abuse while in childhood. The purpose of this study was to examine CSA disclosure in childhood. Participants for this study were 137 children/adolescents ranging in ages from 2-16 interviewed at a child advocacy center. Findings indicate that children and adolescents who disclosed sexual abused by an immediate family member were more likely to recant than children and adolescents who disclosed that abuse occurred by others; there was no significant difference in recant rates across genders; although not statistically significant there were differences in to whom males and females made disclosure; males and females were equally as likely to disclose CSA to parents or caregivers with males only disclosing to adults and females disclosing to adults and peers; The highest percentage of alleged perpetrators (13.1%, n=18) were cousins of the victim. Additionally, when the offender was identified as a cousin there was only one case that involved recanting. Biological fathers were reported in 10.2% (n=14) of cases. Mother's boyfriend was reported in 8.8% of cases (n=12). Peers were also reported in 8.8% of cases (n=12). Friends were reported in 5.8% (n=8) of cases. The stepfather was reported as perpetrator in 5.1% (n=7) of cases. Combined, biological fathers, stepfathers, and mother's boyfriend, represented 27.7% (n=33) of total alleged perpetrators within this study; also, "purposeful disclosure" was made more than all other types of disclosure regardless of age. One appendix is included: Forensic interview Chart Review Protocol. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A