2017

Rural  populations  have  certain  characteristics  and  cultural  patterns  requiring sensitivity  and  understanding.  This  study  examined  child  sexual  abuse  in  one rural community by surveying parents of children who were brought into a child advocacy center in a rural county in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Several  factors  were  found  that  might  have  impacted  the  experience  of  child sexual  abuse  in  this  rural  community.  This  research  provides  information  to better inform professionals working with child sexual abuse in rural areas.

Keywords: children and adolescents, sexual abuse, trauma, rural, mental health