In Defense of Mothers of Sexual Abuse Victims

This review synthesizes the clinical and empirical literature on mothers of sexual abuse victims. Evidence is cited that maternal reaction is crucial to a child's recovery from sexual abuse. Also explored are those variables involved in a mother's belief in her child's account and the supportive actions she is able to take to protect her child. The more recent empirical work challenges earlier clinical discussions of maternal culpability in cases of sexual abuse perpetration; however, certain societal biases and oppressive social conditions that contribute to “mother-blaming” and that also interfere with a mother's ability to protect her children have been neglected. These biases and social conditions, as well as suggestions for social work practice, will be explored.