Experiences of Nonoffending Parents and Caretakers in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

The current study seeks to better understand the unique experiences of a specific subgroup of nonoffending caretakers who also identify themselves as closely related to the registered sexual offender who abused the child for whom they care. The sample is made up of 31 survey participants who indicated that they were the parent or caretaker of a child who was sexually abused by a family member. Many described continuing feelings of hurt, loneliness, and a sense of betrayal. Anxiety and depression were not uncommon, and many reported feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about the abuse. More than one-half indicated that family and friends do not seem to understand the unique circumstances of intrafamilial sexual abuse, and few viewed the abuser as at risk to reoffend. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.