Children's Disclosure of Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research Exploring Barriers and Facilitators

Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
Sarah Elizabeth MorrisonSarah Wilson

Abstract

This study evaluates and synthesizes qualitative evidence addressing factors affecting a child's decision to disclose an experience of sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse is a devastating crime, with long-term negative impacts. Understanding the factors that affect a child's decision to disclose is vital. Disclosure enables access to support and protection, both therapeutically and legally. A systematic review was conducted focusing on factors affecting a child's decision to disclose an experience of sexual abuse. Seven studies were identified, quality appraisal undertaken, and meta-ethnography used to synthesize the studies. Six new super-ordinate themes were developed: Fear of what will happen; Others' reactions: fear of disbelief; Emotions and impact of the abuse; An opportunity to tell; Concern for self and others; and Feelings toward the abuser. Themes indicated the importance of support, structure, and opportunity to facilitate disclosure and should be utilized by agencies to develop practices that facilitate disclosures.

References

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Citations

Mar 12, 2019·Journal of Child Sexual Abuse·Sookyung Jeong, Chiyoung Cha
Nov 13, 2019·Family Process·Rosaleen McElvaney, Elizabeth Nixon
Jun 11, 2020·Journal of Child Sexual Abuse·David M Lawson, Sinem Akay-Sullivan
Jan 9, 2020·Journal of Interpersonal Violence·Dafna TenerYael Kaufmann
Sep 19, 2019·Child Maltreatment·Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, David Finkelhor
Jan 23, 2021·Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·Julia HadleyAmy Goldberg
Nov 18, 2019·Child Abuse & Neglect·Katherine McGuire, Kamala London
Dec 16, 2019·Child Abuse & Neglect·Rosaleen McElvaneySuzanne Guerin
May 15, 2021·Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma·Nora Maria Elena T Osmeña, Dan Jerome S Barrera
Sep 22, 2019·Child Abuse & Neglect·Ateret Gewirtz-MeydanDavid Finkelhor
Aug 4, 2021·Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore·Magdalene H M LeePeter C Y Wong
Sep 16, 2021·European Eating Disorders Review : the Journal of the Eating Disorders Association·Timothy D BrewertonDouglas W Bunnell
Dec 5, 2021·Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society·Nihal YurteriMehmet Saki Çelik
Sep 8, 2021·International Journal of Mental Health Nursing·Chiyoung Cha, Mi-Ran Lee

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Software Mentioned

Proquest
Survivor Scotland
Ovid Medline
PRISMA

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