title: Religion in child sexual abuse forensic interviews.
abstract: Religion is an under-studied factor affecting children's sexual victimization and their willingness to discuss such experiences. In this qualitative study, 39 child forensic interviewers and child advocacy center (CAC) directors in the United States discussed religious influences on children's sexual abuse experiences, their relationships to CACs, and their disclosures in the forensic setting. Participants reported both harmonious and dissonant interactions between religiously observant children and families on one hand and child advocacy centers on the other. Themes emerged related to abuse in religious contexts and religious justifications for abuse; clergy and religious supports for disclosures as well as suppression of disclosures; and the ways CACS accommodate religious diversity and forge collaborations with clergy. Participants discussed a wide range of religions. Recommendations for practice and research are included.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, USA. Electronic address: amy.tishelman@childrens.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Tishelman
authors.affiliation: University Without Walls, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 100 Venture Way, Hadley, MA 01035, USA. Electronic address: LFontes@uww.umass.edu.
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Fontes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002977:Clergy; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D012067:Religion; D014481:United States
keywords: Catholic; Child advocacy centers; Child sexual abuse; Christian; Investigative interviews; Jewish; Religion