Purpose: Maternal well being and the quality of the mother-child relationship are among the most important predictors of the sexually abused child's recovery (Tremblay et al., 1999). The emotional distress of non–offending mothers following their child's sexual abuse disclosure has been documented in recent studies (e.g., Elliot & Carnes, 2001). However, it is currently unknown which factors are related to heightened levels of maternal distress. This study thoroughly examines various possible sources of maternal distress and points to some key risk factors associated with heightened distress.

Methodology: The urban sample consisted of 62 ethnically diverse non-offending mothers of confirmed sexually abused children participating in mandatory therapy in CPS Sexual Abuse Unit. Using mixed methodologies, an in-depth content analysis was first used to identify possible stress-related factors. Next, using the Los Angeles Symptom checklist (King et al., 1995) to measure maternal stress, a Multiple Regression Model was conducted to determine the most prominent factors associated with heightened maternal distress.

Results: Factors identified as impacting maternal distress included child's and siblings removal from home, mother's history of child sexual abuse, presence of domestic violence, mother's social network, and strain developed in her relationships with significant others. Interestingly, factors related to the severity and duration of the child sexual abuse and factors related to the identity of the offender were not associated with maternal distress.

Implications for Practice: A thorough psycho social assessment of non-offending mothers following their child's sexual abuse disclosure should include suicidal ideation, maternal distress and symptomatology, maternal history of childhood sexual abuse as well as domestic violence. In addition, changes in the family structure and economic situation should be evaluated. Therapy should focus on resolving issues related to maternal prior victimization, increasing her social support and resolution of strained relationships with family to effectively obtain a recovery of the sexually abused child and the family.