This master's thesis presents the situation and challenges of a non-abusive parent of a sexually abused child. The theoretical part first defines the characteristics of sexual abuse, focusing on childhood sexual abuse, its prevalence and its consequences, and then defines the characteristics of trauma, focusing on childhood trauma. The thesis presents an understanding of trauma through the prism of feminist theory. It then identifies the characteristics of the family environment where there is a higher risk of sexual abuse, the position and challenges of the non-abusive parent when learning of their child's abuse, and their reactions and coping strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of the non-abusing parent providing support to the child survivor of sexual abuse. Finally, the importance of support and assistance to parents, the forms of assistance, the importance of cooperation with professionals and the role of professionals in working with parents are highlighted as the basis for a quicker 'recovery' for both the child and the parent.
The aim of the empirical work was to examine what challenges the non-abusive parent faces, how they face them, and to gain a multi-perspective view of the experience and understanding of the situation and challenges of this parent. Research has shown that parents often experience significant distress following disclosure of sexual abuse, with many experiencing a range of psychological symptoms. Empirical studies have generally confirmed the link between child sexual abuse and parental depression.
A case study was carried out as part of the research. The sample consisted of the non-abusing parent (mother) and professionals with whom the mother worked in a supportive process. Through the research I found that the parent of a sexually abused child faces multiple challenges that are all-encompassing and very burdensome for the parent. The significance of the expected findings: to draw attention to the vulnerable situation of non-abusive parents facing the sexual abuse of their child and, above all, to further focus attention on the development of appropriate guidelines and programmes to help these parents to support themselves and their child more effectively, thus enabling a faster recovery from surviving sexual abuse. This thesis will contribute to focusing attention on the situation of these parents, as there is no existing research in this area in our country.
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