Family Characteristics of Intact Sexually Abusing Families: An Exploratory Sutdy
Titel:
Family Characteristics of Intact Sexually Abusing Families: An Exploratory Sutdy
Auteur:
Trepper, Terry S. Niedner, Dawn Mika, Linda Barrett, Mary Jo
Verschenen in:
Journal of child sexual abuse
Paginering:
Jaargang 5 (1997) nr. 4 pagina's 1-18
Jaar:
1997-04-10
Inhoud:
The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine in-depth some specific family characteristics which may be present in incestuously abusing families. Forty-eight families referred for treatment for ongoing incestuous abuse were studied using a number of variables from within the domains of socio-environmental, family structure and function, individual personality, and family of origin using an approach which allowed for maximum flexibility to explore these variables in a non-intrusive way, yet still obtain information about the family from as many family members as possible. The findings demonstrate there is a rich complexity in the incestuous abuse phenomenon, with a broad set of systemic variables emerging which may contribute to both the etiology and maintenance of incestuous abuse. It is suggested that clinicians be aware that incestuous abuse is a multiple-system phenomenon that necessitates assessment and treatment of not just the offending parent and child victim, but of the complete family and community systems.