Citation

Tyler KA, Melander LA. J. Child Sex. Abus. 2009; 18(5): 513-531.

Affiliation

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10538710903183360

PMID

20183415

Abstract

This study investigated risk factors for discrepant reporting of physical and sexual abuse among 172 homeless young adults. Discrepant reporting includes situations in which a respondent denies experiencing abuse in general but reports being a victim of specific forms of maltreatment. The results revealed that discrepant reporting rates tended to be highest for minor physical assault and for noncontact sexual abuse. Multivariate results revealed that demographic characteristics were important correlates of both discrepant physical and sexual abuse reporters. Family background characteristics also played a role in discrepant reporting for physical abuse. Overall, some young people with abuse histories are not adequately labeling their maltreatment experiences and, as a result, may not be receiving the necessary treatment.

Language: en