Ameliorating the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse: An Exploratory Study of Support by Parents and Others

This study examines the support of nonabusing parents and others as it affects subsequent adjustment to childhood victimization and women's attitudes toward men. A form of log linear analyses on the data from 61 women 18 to 36 years of age in Los Angeles County revealed that as a result of child sexual abuse, negative attitudes toward men tended not to be related to the severity of the experience(s), if nonabusing parents and others supported victims upon the disclosure of the incident(s). The importance of support to the disclosure process is discussed in helping victims to regain control of their lives and in lessening the lasting effects of child sexual abuse.