Variables in delayed disclosure of childhood sexual abuse

In a study of 41 adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the level of ch ildhood traumatization was found to have contributed to delayed disclosure of the abuse. Other delaying variables included: belief in the importance o f obedience to grownups, mistrust of people, fear of social rejection, and fear of the criminal justice system. Variables such as media attention to s imilar cases and experiences of personal achievement were inversely related to the age at disclosure. Recommendations for policy are discussed.