Child sexual abuse: the female victim's relationship with her nonoffending mother

The present study is an empirical analysis of 60 female victims of sexual abuse and their perceptions of their relationship with their nonoffending mothers. Contrary to much of the sexual abuse literature, which suggests a hostile and rejecting relationship, this study finds that the victims perceived a warm and accepting relationship with their mothers. The present study examines female victims of sexual abuse ages 7-12, who were interviewed within a few weeks of disclosure. Data collection includes the Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist by Achenbach. Sexual abuse variables related to the nature of the sexual abuse are also analyzed. Results indicate that sexually abused girls who perceived lower levels of maternal rejection had higher competency ratings and fewer behavior problems as compared with victims who perceived higher levels of maternal rejection. Abuse involving force by the offender is correlated with lower competency in the victims. More Violent Abuse is correlated with externalizing behavior problems and sexual behavior problems.