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Article
Exploring the recovery of non-offending parents after a child’s sexual abuse eventNo Title
Journal of Child and Family Studies (2021)
  • David Jones, Liberty University
  • Heather Vilvens
  • Lisa Vaughn
Abstract
A variety of factors influence a child’s recovery from a child sexual abuse (CSA) event including the non-offending parent’s role in the healing process of their child. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how non-offending parents recuperate from a CSA occurrence. By better understanding non-offending parents’ perspectives related to the healing process, health professionals can provide effective supports, programs, and services. We recruited and conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 non-offending parents to explore their risk factors, protective factors, stressors, coping strategies, and perceptions of healing following their child’s sexual abuse event. We also invited parents to contribute specific ideas to improve programs and services offered to families of sexual abuse served by a child advocacy center located in an urban pediatric hospital. Our findings included five themes: (1) a variety of emotions are present; (2) family context influences recovery; (3) coping is different for everyone; (4) navigating the justice system is frustrating; and (5) healing is a process. The results of our study revealed that the non-offending parents that were managing their child’s sexual abuse event more productively were further along in the healing process (as compared with their counterparts) and had successfully processed their emotions, described less chaos in their family unit, employed positive coping strategies, and had found a way to move forward and accept a “new normal”. The findings of our study can be used to promote recovery and provide better services to non-offending parents following a CSA event.
Publication Date
Fall 2021
Citation Information
David Jones, Heather Vilvens and Lisa Vaughn. "Exploring the recovery of non-offending parents after a child’s sexual abuse eventNo Title" Journal of Child and Family Studies Vol. 30 (2021) p. 2690 - 2704
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david-jones3/15/