MOTHER’S REACTIONS TOWARDS THEIR SONS’ DISCLOSURE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIMIZATION
Abstract
Studies on the disclosure of sexual violence are majorly based on cases involving girls. The objective was to investigate protective and non-protective reactions of mothers and fathers of boys towards the disclosure of sexual violence victimization. In this qualitative research, we interviewed nine mothers and analyzed the data using thematic analysis, which resulted in six themes: moment of disclosure, trust and distrust, welcoming[1], help seeking, emotions, and protection. Altogether, results showed that mothers, in general, presented protective reactions towards the disclosure, which was evident in all identified themes. After disclosure, mothers trusted their sons and sought to protect them by attentive listening, although some of them entered a state of paralysis and sadness. This welcoming of their sons’ disclosure was followed by seeking information and specialized treatment. Protection was also identified by withdrawing from aggressors and monitoring the boys’ routines. Thus, it is necessary to invest in actions to raise awareness of the available services so that caretakers can protect children and adolescents at risk. In addition, interventions are required to assist them to manage their feelings towards disclosure, as well as the consequences of violence for children and adolescents.
[1] The translator understands that the term ‘welcoming’ holds many meanings and possibly different context uses. However, taking into consideration the meaning of the original word and the meaning from its Latin roots – receiving, holding together – we believe that ‘welcoming’ fits into the aforementioned contexts.
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References
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