The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological impact
of disclosure of sexual abuse on child victims and their mothers and
evaluate whether there was an association between maternal distress
and report of child behavioral and psychological problems. Data on
child psychological and behavioral problems and maternal psychological
functioning were collected at the time of disclosure of sexual abuse
and 9 months later for 49 subjects. The study showed the heterogeneity
and severity of problems among victims and their mothers at
baseline. These problems persisted almost a year later. Maternal
distress was strongly correlated with the mothers' assessments of
child functioning and was less strongly associated with the children's
own assessments of their status. Because the mothers in this study
reported high levels of persistent distress for themselves and their
children, comprehensive intervention with the family may be an
efficient route to child recovery after disclosure of sexual
abuse.