Citation

Loinaz I, Bigas N, de Sousa AM. Psicothema 2019; 31(3): 271-276.

Affiliation

Universitat de Barcelona.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Departamento de Psicología de la Universidad de Oviedo, Publisher Colegio Oficial de Psicológicas de Asturias)

DOI

10.7334/psicothema2018.351

PMID

31292041

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Child sexual abuse continues to be a problem aggravated by difficulty of detection. The aim of this study was to compare intra-familial (IF) and extra-familial (EF) child sexual abuse cases in search of differential variables that may allow for better intervention and prevention.

METHOD: A sample of 221 forensic/legal cases (44.8% IF and 55.2% EF) dealing with children between 3 and 18 years of age (75% female) was analysed.

RESULTS: IF sexual abuse was significantly more likely to occur more than once (p =.000; OR = 6.353), with greater delay in its revelation (>1 year OR = 8.132), and with younger victims (9.05 vs. 11.45; p =.000). Intellectual disability was more prevalent among EF victims (p =.017; OR = 3.053). There was a higher proportion of reconstructed families, more legal records, and more histories of domestic violence among IF sexual abuse families. Even among EF cases, 78% of abusers were known to the victims, and in around 80% of all cases the abuse was reported by a family member.

CONCLUSION: Results point to the need for further development of detection programs in schools, police or health contexts since reporting by professionals is scarce.

Language: en