title: Beyond the call: mothers of children with developmental disabilities responding to sexual abuse.
abstract: A qualitative, interdisciplinary study was undertaken to examine the experiences of mothers of children with developmental disabilities who were sexually abused. In-depth interviews were conducted with four mothers, their children, and the professionals involved with each case. The dual impact of caring for a child with a disability together with dealing with the aftermath of child sexual abuse, both personally and systemically, was considered. Individual professionals went out of their way to try to help, but, nonetheless, the abuse increased what was already a significant burden of care and further reinforced stigmatization, marginalization, and powerlessness. At the same time, the study painted a picture of committed and determined mothers who were devoted to their children.
authors.affiliation: Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario, Canada. cstewart@wlu.ca
authors.forename: Catherine Carolyn
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires