‘Til prison do us part! Uncovering women’s reactions to child sexual abuse perpetrated by their partners

The failure of a relationship is a likely outcome when a critical event occurs. Conviction for child sexual abuse is such a type of an event for any couple. This study examines women’s reactions to child sexual abuse by the man with whom they were still in an intimate relationship. Determinants of separation were examined through analysis of forensic and psychosocial reports. The sample included 85 heterosexual couples in which the male partner had been convicted of child sexual abuse. Slightly more than half of the women involved in the relationship (n = 46; 54.1%) decided to leave the perpetrator. Separation rates were higher when the victim was known, especially the woman’s own child, when the women believed the allegations, and when they cooperated with authorities. In addition, separation was more likely when other forms of abuse were present and when the women themselves were victims of intimate partner violence. The results also showed that the likelihood of separation was higher in short-term relationships. We discuss these findings in light of the importance of also considering the experiences and needs of partners involved in an abusive family as part of a public health approach to the prevention of child sexual abuse.