Breaking the silence: Do I tell my child about their sexual abuse history? Longitudinal analysis of parental decision-making regarding disclosure of preverbal sexual abuse by parents to their child: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (ASAC) presented parents with a dilemma about disclosing preverbal sexual abuse to their child. Advising parents was challenging due to limited knowledge about the consequences of preverbal child sexual abuse (CSA) and the rarity of children having no conscious awareness of their experience. To enhance recommendations and knowledge, we explored parents' experiences over the years.

Objective: This unique qualitative study introduced "parental disclosure", where non-offending parents disclose CSA to their child, and investigated the decision-making process spanning a decade after the ASAC discovery.

Methods: Longitudinal qualitative data were collected through yearly interviews.

Participants and setting: In total, 41 parents participated for 47 children. An additional in-depth interview was conducted with 20 parents in 2015.

Results: Quantitative data highlighted that over 10 years, parents of more than half of the children disclosed the preverbal CSA. Our analyses revealed that parental disclosure decisions entail dilemmas and unfold as a gradual process. Factors influencing decision-making included fear of stigma, child's emotional readiness, perceived benefits and risks, parental beliefs, values, and CSA circumstances.

Conclusion: This study underscores the complex nature of parental disclosure and shows that it is an ongoing process rather than a singular event. Parents' choices evolved based on changing circumstances and new information. Outcomes enrich the understanding of parental disclosure decision-making, highlighting the need for tailored support services to aid parents navigating the aftermath of preverbal CSA. Parental disclosure is highly individualized and calls for evidence-based interventions and policies.

Keywords: Child maltreatment; Decision-making; Longitudinal data; Parental disclosure; Preverbal child sexual abuse; Qualitative study; Support services.