Understanding the nature and dynamics of child sexual abuse is critical for child protection and law enforcement investigators. Credible accounts of child sexual abuse are constantly questioned because of a failure to understand that delayed disclosure is common for survivors. The nature of child sexual abuse makes disclosure a complex, often life-long process. It’s remarkable that any survivor will tell at all when you examine the intricate and overlapping barriers to disclosure. Through research and personal testimonies, participants will take an in-depth look at the most common factors influencing delayed disclosure, partial disclosure, non-disclosure, and accidental disclosure. Moreover, participants will also address critical components to help alleviate these barriers.
Learning Objectives:
Analyze research on the dynamics of child sexual abuse and prevalence of delayed disclosure
Examine the most common and complex barriers for survivors to disclose child sexual abuse
Identify key elements to help alleviate barriers to disclosure and improve investigation
