Disclosure of child sexual abuse : the experience of non-offending caregivers finding out : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experience of non-offending caregivers (NOCs) finding out that their child experienced sexual abuse. More specifically, the main focus of this research is to understand how caregivers describe their experience of finding out, and to understand how they make sense of their reactions to their child’s disclosure. Research focusing on NOCs’ experience of finding out is lacking, thus, this study aims to address this gap. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with two mothers of children who had disclosed of their CSA to them. In-depth case studies were analysed by means of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis, (a) The Moment, (b) Finding out as a Process, and (c) The Occurrence of Trauma. Both participants appeared to experience similar feelings as a result of their child’s disclosure, even though the severity and type of sexual abuse differed. This research sheds light on the thoughts and emotions experienced by NOCs, and the possible therapeutic approaches which may be beneficial when treating NOCs. Some of the feelings experienced by participants include shock, compassion and empathy, fear, guilt and selfblame, anger, disappointment, grief and loss, acceptance, and symptoms of trauma. This study also provides implications for future research which may aid researchers when developing their research aims. For example, one of the implications is that the experience of finding out is similar to the experience of loss, thus, this may be useful to consider when working with NOCs.