This article explores the broader context in which child sexual abuse
occurs and the ethic of blame with respect to mothers of victims. It is
based on in-depth interviews with 24 mothers after their children's
disclosure, interviews with 15 experts in this area, and an analysis of
child welfare case records. It concludes that policy and practice based
on familist ideology results in a service delivery system that is insen
sitive to the needs and rights of women and sexually abused children.
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