Spanish Women's Experiences of Child Sexual Abuse

• Published in: Psicothema 2021-05, Vol.33 (2), p.236-243
• Main Authors: Ferragut, Marta, Ortiz-Tallo, Margarita, Blanca, María J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child sexual abuse; Pedophilia; Sex crimes; Sexual abuse
• ISSN: 0214-9915; 1886-144X
• DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2020.323

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a type of maltreatment that women appear to be at higher risk of. In Spain, studies are scarce and outdated. The objective of this study was to analyze the experiences of CSA in a sample of Spanish women. The sample comprised 968 women (M = 39.82 years, SD = 12.71). Participants completed an anonymous online survey about their childhood experiences. The prevalence of CSA ranged from 9.8% to 53.1%, and most commonly involved being rubbed against or fondled. The first episode most frequently occurred between 6 and 12 years old, and the perpetrator was commonly a man, either a family member or stranger. Half of the women told someone about the experience, usually their mother or a peer. The earlier the first experience, the higher the number of different types of sexual abuse, with more physical contact and more perpetrators. Generation Z (age 18-23) reported the fewest instances of CSA. Women reported high rates of CSA experiences, although the youngest generation seems to be more protected. The paper discusses the experiences reported, the women's age at the time of the first episode, the relationship to the perpetrator, and generational differences, as well as the importance of providing up-to-date information about CSA.