Child Sexual Abuse: Impact on Mothers

Abstract

This article explores the broader context in which child sexual abuse occurs and the ethic of blame with respect to mothers of victims. It is based on in-depth interviews with 24 mothers after their children's disclosure, interviews with 15 experts in this area, and an analysis of child welfare case records. It concludes that policy and practice based on familist ideology results in a service delivery system that is insen sitive to the needs and rights of women and sexually abused children.