Disclosure of child abuse in conflict areas.
Author: Shalhoub Kevorkian N.
Source:
Violence Against Women, 11(10), 1263-1291.
Analyzing legal policies requires an in-depth understanding of the sociopolitical
contexts within which sexual abuse is disclosed. Data presented in this study are
based on a larger study of 628 Palestinian Israeli girls aged 14 to 16 years. Of
these 628 girls, 28 victims of sexual abuse discussed their abuse with the
research team. In addition, interviews were conducted with professional helpers.
The contextual analyses of the interviews focused on the way young girls
perceived disclosure, social support, and legal intervention to their abuse. Data
revealed that the girls' attitudes not only conformed to general findings on
disclosure of sexual abuse but also reflected sociopolitical fears and stressors.
Helpers struggled between their beliefs that they should abide by the state's
formal legal policies and their consideration of the victim's context. The study
reveals how decontextualizing child protection laws and policies can keep
sexually abused girls from seeking help.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't