The context of child sexual abuse in Irish society: a qualitative study

The aim of this study is to explore the contextual factors surrounding the occurrence of child sexual abuse in Ireland. Very little research exists internationally which examines contextual factors which maintain the sexual abuse of children. This qualitative investigation addresses the research question: What are psychologists’ understandings of the context of child sexual abuse in Ireland? Participants are twelve psychologists who work therapeutically with children and adults who have experienced child sexual abuse. Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews which were analysed according to the conventions of thematic analysis. The themes identified in the analysis can be categorised into two groups. In the first the themes relate to how members of society speak about child sexual abuse, and how the social narrative of sexual abuse impacts on individuals’ understanding of the issue. The second group of themes relates to the subjugated status of children in Irish society and how this can allow abuse to continue. The findings are discussed in the context of the research evidence-base, and implications are outlined for clinical practice; theory; future research; and policy.