Intra-Familial Child Sexual Abuse and Intimate Parent-Child Interactions: A Mixed Study in Beijing

Background: Prevention and intervention of intra-familial child sexual abuse (CSA) have been especially challenging because not only are these cases usually secret and difficult to discern, but also certain family practices are ambiguous and difficult to define as abusive. Typical family practices and public perceptions of intra-familial CSA in a given society may impact professional decisions and even court proceedings regarding CSA. However, empirical data regarding intimate parent-child interactions that are ambiguously related to sexual abuse are extremely scant. More importantly, relevant explorations launched in diverse social-cultural contexts are even more rare. The current study aimed to explore Chinese public’s perceptions of intra-familial (CSA) and their perceptions regarding the appropriateness of certain intimate parent-child interactions as well.

Method: Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the course of the study. In qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted among a sample of 26 parents in Beijing; these parents were purposefully selected so as to be diverse in terms of gender, age, and socioeconomic status. The data were analyzed thematically. Based on the results of this qualitative phase and instruments used in previous studies, the research then moved to a quantitative phase where a questionnaire was developed and a survey was conducted. In the quantitative phase, 354 undergraduate students from 15 universities or colleges in Beijing were selected as research participants. The participants (49% male; 51% female) ranged in age from 18 to 28 years (M = 21.61, SD = 1.541).

Findings: (1) Most Chinese parents (77%) and undergraduate students (53%) recognized that children are more likely to be sexually abused by people with whom they are familiar rather than strangers. (2) A part of undergraduate students (12%) and parents (23%) thought that parents could never sexually abuse their own child. (3) Parent-child intimate interactions (such as co-bathing and co-sleeping) were common within Chinese families. Factors including a child’s age, gender, and the parent’s gender were found to impact respondents’ perceptions of the appropriateness of those interactions. (4) Both experiences of family practices and perceptions about the appropriateness of parent-child intimate interactions have weak impact on parents’ and undergraduate students’ perception of intra-familial CSA. (5) The informal control that comes from extended families and neighborhoods was perceived as an important protective factor, which might decrease the probability of intra-familial CSA in Chinese society.

Implications: The current study begins to help to define intra-familial CSA by assessing family practices in childhood and perceptions of parent-child intimate interactions in Chinese society. Chinese culture rather than public experiences or perceptions of parent-child intimate interactions might impact their awareness of intra-familial CSA. Public education about intra-familial CSA is needed in China.