Social network risk and protective factors

Features of the child’s broader social context may influence their adjustment to CSA (Berliner & Elliott, 2002; Browne & Finklehor, 1986; Carr & O’Reilly, 2004; Glaser, 2002b; Jones, 2000; Kendall-Tackett et al., 1993; Putnam, 2003; Spaccarelli, 1994). Social contexts in which the child and abuser are relatively isolated create opportunities for abuse and re-abuse and so isolation is an important risk factor. High levels of stress coupled with low support in the wake of disclosure, particularly, may compromise the child’s ability to cope adequately with this stressful period. In contrast, children who are offered high levels of support tend to show better adjustment.