Views of child sexual abuse in two cultural communities: an exploratory study among African Americans and Latinos

Child Maltreat. 2001 May;6(2):103-17. doi: 10.1177/1077559501006002003.

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates knowledge and ideas about child sexual abuse among African Americans and Latinos through focus group discussions. Participants defined and described child sexual abuse, acknowledged that it occurred in their communities, and expressed their sense that family risk factors, risky institutions, and offender propensities were its root causes. Latino participants identified cultural transitions as another contributor. Responses and conversational style differed somewhat by gender and cultural identity. The authors discuss implications for child sexual abuse prevention, intervention, and research.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / ethnology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / prevention & control
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data
  • Culture*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology