Author(s)

Melissa Villarreal

School of Social Work, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

This phenomenological qualitative study describes Latinas’ reasons for and patterns of sexual assault disclosure. Thirteen Latina research participants’ voices contribute to the literature on sexual assault disclosure through their reasons for disclosing, not disclosing, or for delaying their disclosure in addition to who they chose to disclose this information to. The reasons for disclosing include external support, protection of self and others, and situational disclosures, which occurred without intention or given permission. Reasons for not disclosing or delaying sexual assault disclosure include themes of fear of facing consequences, negative reactions from others or retaliation by a family member. Furthermore, the mother-daughter relationship proved to be a critical ingredient in the decision to disclose or to delay disclosure. Although the literature review identified some research in the area of sexual assault with Latinas, research to date has been scant concerning the Latina mother-daughter relationship with regards to the dynamics that exist between mother and daughter(s) concerning taboo and/or sensitive topics not addressed in the home such as sex. The results of this study point to the need for further research on how well Latinas feel their mothers have prepared them to protect and advocate for themselves concerning sexual assaults.

Hispanic, Latina, Tejana, Sexual Assault, Sex, Reasons For, For Not, For Delaying Disclosure

Villarreal, M. (2020) Latinas’ Reasons for and Patterns of Sexual Assault Disclosure. Psychology, 11, 1519-1546. doi: 10.4236/psych.2020.1110097.