Understanding Parental Responsibility in Child Trauma Cases

RESOLVing Violence

Trigger Warning: The following episode of discusses sensitive topics including child sexual abuse, trauma, and parental blame. Listener discretion is advised. If you find such topics distressing, please consider whether to proceed listening

In today's episode, we delve deep into the subject of parental blame with Dr. Jordan Cummings and Arianna Gibson, bringing light to the psychological and societal factors contributing to the blame placed on parents, particularly mothers, when children experience trauma, such as child sexual abuse. Dr. Cummings shares insights from years of research, discussing various studies and findings that explore how societal expectations and stereotypes affect judgments of parental responsibility.

The adverse effects of such biases are discussed, noting how the internalized shame and fear of blame might prevent parents from seeking help, thereby impacting the entire family’s ability to cope and recover. The lower expectations placed on fathers is highlighted and how these contribute to different levels of responsibility attributed to each parent. There is a need for a broader understanding of the challenges facing parents, which can often be skewed by societal expectations and professional biases.

The episode wrapped up with actionable advice for service providers, urging them to recognize their biases and maintain reasonable expectations for parents. Dr. Cummings advocated for a family-centric approach in service provision, which accounts for the broader familial context and systemic pressures that affect parenting. This conversation highlights the importance of rethinking societal norms and practices around parental blame, promoting a more compassionate and holistic view of family welfare.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/