Caracterização do suporte materno na descoberta e revelação do abuso sexual infantil

The maternal support can act as a moderator of the effects of sexual abuse in the family microsystem victims, maximizing the chances of psychological adjustment in these contexts. This study aimed to characterize the materna l support of fi ve mothers of sexually abused girls. The following dimensions of maternal support were considered: believe the victim, emotional support, and protective action. Through the interviews, observed that the in itial lack of credibilit y of the participants in relation to the sexual abuse of their daughters, did not affect the protective actions. There was the report of changes in maternal practices after the discovery of sexual abuse. The emotional burden of these caregivers, the maintenance of the secrecy about sexual abuse, and the importance of family intervention strategies are discussed.