Incest and Women of Color: A Study of Experiences and Disclosure

• NCJ Number: 195509
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 17-39
• Author(s): Smita Vir Tyagi
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper addresses the experiences of incest survivors who are women of color to better understand their disclosure and coping.

Abstract

The prevalence rates of incest among women of color have been comparable to those of white women as shown in several American studies from 1985 to 1997. This study was an exploratory attempt to understand the incest experiences of women of color, the conditions that supported their disclosure or non-disclosure of incest, and their coping endeavors. The study sought to contextualize the incest experiences of women of color within a broader socio-cultural framework to better understand the mechanics of disclosure and coping among these women. The study utilized a qualitative approach to allow for the exploration of participant’s experiences, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and their responses to a unique situation. Study participants consisted of 12 adult women of color and self-identified incest survivors between the ages of 22 and 42 years of age. The data were analyzed using the constant comparison method with the language of the participants guiding the selection and development of category labels. Participants of the study described how familial and cultural values and beliefs, community mindedness, social attitudes, negative consequences for victims, and other social and cultural factors made it difficult for them to disclose incest both within and outside their own communities. However, participants showed resilience and persistence in their determination to overcome the negative effects of their trauma by using positive reframing, goal setting, developing a racial-political and feminist consciousness, and engaging in creative activities to cope with the abuse. There is a need to better study and understand how family silences occur within a culture in relation to disclosure and the role these factors play in disclosure and coping. References