Publication

Behind the silence of undisclosed trauma: A social network study on support and well-being in the context of childhood sexual abuse

Childhood sexual abuse is a common problem, with approximately one in five girls and one in 13 boys worldwide experiencing some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Despite its high prevalence, many individuals remain silent about these experiences, often delaying disclosure for years, with one in three never disclosing the abusive event(s) at all.

Author

Kyra E. Verboon, Iva A.E. Bicanic, Peter Muris, Bart Verkuil, Bernet M. Elzinga , Marie-Louise J. Kullberg

Date

27 October 2025

Links

ScienceDirect

Previous research has examined the reasons and consequences of disclosure of Childhood sexual abuse (CSA), however, the psychological effects of non-disclosure remain understudied. This study therefore examines differences in social support and trauma-related symptoms between adults who have not shared their experiences of CSA with others and adults who have. Furthermore, it investigates whether perceived social support and characteristics of one's social network serve as protective factors against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly among those who have not disclosed their experiences of sexual abuse. Findings will contribute to evidence-based recommendations for individuals living in the silence of undisclosed CSA.