Nonoffending mothers - An exploratory study of mothers whose partners sexually assaulted their children

Nonoffending mothers are crucial players in the intervention response to di sclosures of sexual assault. This article will outline the experiences of t hree such women from the point of disclosure of abuse of their children, in cluding the child protection agency response. It is clear that coping with the ramifications of sexual assault disclosure is a harrowing time for wome n, during which they may question themselves as women, wives, and mothers. The implications for service providers are outlined, with suggestions for h elpful ways to proceed with intervention.