Mothers voices : a study of mothers of children who have been sexually abused
Young, Lesley
Mothers voices : a study of mothers of children who have been sexually abused Young, Lesley - 1996 - 82 p.
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education (Counselling).
The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of mothers' responses to the sexual abuse of their child. Interviews were undertaken with 9 mothers, exploring their reactions to the abuse, what helped them, what made the experience worse for them and what recommendations they wished to make to service providers. Mothers' feelings included shock, anger, powerlessness, sadness, guilt and isolation. Most experienced some difficulty accepting that the abuse had occurred, but all were supportive and protective of their child. The responses they received from others included accusations of inventing the abuse, and blame for allowing the abuse to happen. Mothers' reactions to the abuse were strongly consistent regardless of the circumstances of the abuse; however, responses from other people varied, with greater support being given to the mother when the abuse was extra-familial. Mothers received little help and support for themselves following the abuse, and therefore identified great need for improvement in services available to mothers if they are to be enabled to provide optimum support to enhance their child's recovery and maintain their own wellbeing.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT
nz
CULTURAL ISSUES
FAMILIES
INCEST
INTERVENTION
JUSTICE
MENTAL HEALTH
NEGLECT
SOCIAL SERVICES
TREATMENT
THESES
WOMEN
PREVENTION
CHILD ABUSE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Mothers voices : a study of mothers of children who have been sexually abused Young, Lesley - 1996 - 82 p.
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education (Counselling).
The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of mothers' responses to the sexual abuse of their child. Interviews were undertaken with 9 mothers, exploring their reactions to the abuse, what helped them, what made the experience worse for them and what recommendations they wished to make to service providers. Mothers' feelings included shock, anger, powerlessness, sadness, guilt and isolation. Most experienced some difficulty accepting that the abuse had occurred, but all were supportive and protective of their child. The responses they received from others included accusations of inventing the abuse, and blame for allowing the abuse to happen. Mothers' reactions to the abuse were strongly consistent regardless of the circumstances of the abuse; however, responses from other people varied, with greater support being given to the mother when the abuse was extra-familial. Mothers received little help and support for themselves following the abuse, and therefore identified great need for improvement in services available to mothers if they are to be enabled to provide optimum support to enhance their child's recovery and maintain their own wellbeing.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT
nz
CULTURAL ISSUES
FAMILIES
INCEST
INTERVENTION
JUSTICE
MENTAL HEALTH
NEGLECT
SOCIAL SERVICES
TREATMENT
THESES
WOMEN
PREVENTION
CHILD ABUSE
SEXUAL VIOLENCE