Which of the following best describes a typical characteristic of a mother whose child is a victim of family sexual abuse?

A mother whose child is a victim of family sexual abuse may exhibit denial as a subconscious defense mechanism. This denial can stem from various psychological factors, including the desire to protect her child, a reluctance to accept the reality of the situation, or feelings of guilt or shame about the family dynamics. This characteristic can manifest as minimization of the signs of abuse or a disbelief that such a thing could happen within her own family, even if there is evidence of the abuse.

Recognizing denial is crucial in understanding familial abuse dynamics, as it can impact the mother’s response and decision-making regarding the situation. It highlights the complex emotional landscape that can surround a family dealing with such trauma, which may lead to underreporting or delayed reporting of the abuse. This characteristic is often observed in cases of family-related sexual abuse and can be a barrier to seeking help for the victim.