Mother-daughter relationships and child sexual abuse: a pilot study of 35 dyads

In a pilot study, the authors examine features of mothers' relationships to their mothers, spouses, and daughters associated with their daughters' male-perpetrated child sexual abuse. Fifteen inner-city Latino mothers and daughters (ages 1-9 years), referred by child protective agencies for highly suspect or confirmed child sexual abuse, were compared to 20 matched control dyads. Significantly more case mothers than controls reported relational disturbances intergenerationally, including hostility toward their daughters. Mother-daughter relationships should be thoroughly assessed when evaluating a child for child sexual abuse.