Negative views of the mother after childhood sexual abuse

Abstract

In childhood sexual abuse cases, the non-abusing parent (usually the mother) is often seen as colluder, helpless bystander or victim. These negative views may be based on misconceptions about incestuous families and can lead to treatment bias and neglect of the other ‘victims' of abuse. Mental health professionals and support agencies should ensure that the needs of the non-abusing parent are met as well as those of the victim and perpetrator.