Gender, Race & Family After Child Sexual Abuse

What is it about?

This study reveals how non-offending mothers and fathers respond to child sexual abuse (CSA). Mothers are often blamed for CSA even when they are not the abuser. Mother-blaming promoted an increase in women’s responsibility to children, decreased women’s economic participation, and increased women’s isolation. For men, the responses to CSA legitimated men’s labor force participation and maintained men’s authority. Single mothers and families of color were less likely to blame mothers.

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Why is it important?

Previous studies have shown how child sexual abuse (CSA) can lead child victims into traditional gender norms. This study reveals how CSA can also lead parents into traditional gendered expectations. Also, this study corrects previous work by not assuming that all parents will respond similarly. Marital status, social class and racial demographics shaped how parents responded to trauma.