ABSTRACT
This chapter explores representations of mothers in child sexual abuse discourse and practice. Arguably, feminist and pro-feminist interpretations are at the forefront of critiquing mother-blaming theories, and are transforming the thinking of mothers in child sexual abuse discourses. First-person accounts from mothers of abused children and original research with mothers are bringing their voices to the public domain, and are challenging the many misconceptions that abound about the "collusive mother". A discussion of black mothers' reactions to the abuse of their children must be located within broader debates about child sexual abuse in black families and communities. The existing body of work exploring the representation of mothers in child sexual abuse discourses has undoubtedly dismantled some of the deep-rooted assumptions about mothers and raised questions about gender roles. Wilson proffers a black feminist analysis of the silence surrounding child sexual abuse in black families.
