Reactions to the disclosure of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: Findings from the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

Introduction: For child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, disclosure can be helpful or harmful depending on how recipients respond. Despite a growing body of literature examining reactions to disclosure, little is known about the experiences of current CSA victims, particularly those abused by family. Objective: We aimed to describe and explore the initial disclosure experiences of intrafamilial CSA victims, and whether reactions varied based on the type of disclosure recipient. Participants and setting: This study utilized anonymous, archival data from the US-based National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (NSAOH), and focused on a sample of 224 intrafamilial CSA victims who had previously disclosed to one type of recipient. Methods: NSAOH staff summarized children's disclosure experiences via an open-ended survey field. Data were independently coded using the Social Reactions Questionnaire. Results: Nearly three-fourths (73%) of children described receiving a negative reaction to disclosure. Negative reactions included distracting or dismissing the victim (33%), not believing the victim (29%), or retaliating or responding violently following disclosure (10%). Children most frequently disclosed abuse to non-offending family (66%), friends (17%), and formal support providers (12%). Relative to friends and intimate partners, victims were more likely to discuss negative reactions from family (49% v 87%, respectively, Cramer's V = 0.33, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Disclosing to non-offending family may be unproductive and potentially harmful for some children. This study has implications for disclosure-related planning protocols on anonymous hotlines. Findings underscore the importance of educating the public, and parents in particular, about how to respond to CSA disclosures.

Automated summary

This study examined the initial disclosure experiences of intrafamilial child sexual abuse (CSA) victims and found that nearly one-third of the children received negative reactions to their disclosures. Compared to friends and intimate partners, victims were more likely to discuss negative reactions from family members. The findings underscore the importance of educating the public, especially parents, on how to respond to CSA disclosures.