NCJ Number
227340
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 209-217
Date Published
April 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined disclosure of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
Abstract
Results demonstrated a significant association between closeness of the perpetrator and delayed disclosure of emotional abuse (EA) and physical abuse (PA) that could not be explained by other characteristics of abusive experiences; this is consistent with predictions based on Betrayal Trauma Theory. Survivors of abuse characterized by very close (VC ) victim-perpetrator relationships were significantly more likely to delay disclosure for 1 or more years, or never to disclose, than survivors of abuse characterized by non-VC victim-perpetrator relationships. Disclosure is required for many types of support provision; identifying factors that facilitate and hinder disclosure of abuse characterized by VC victim-perpetrator relationships, may inform the development of effective ways of encouraging timely disclosure. Data were collected from 202 undergraduates using a survey methodology. Table, figures, and references