NCJ Number
246946
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 37 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2013 Pages: 679-890
Date Published
September 2013
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study explored potential variations in childhood sexual abuse CSA by examining qualitative accounts of first sexual experiences among non-disclosing, non-gay identified Black men who have sex with men and women MSMW.
Abstract
This study explored potential variations in childhood sexual abuse CSA by examining qualitative accounts of first sexual experiences among non-disclosing, non-gay identified Black men who have sex with men and women MSMW. We analyzed data from semi-structured qualitative interviews with 33 MSMW who described first sexual experiences with male and female partners. Thematic analysis revealed four patterns of first sexual experiences including: unwanted sexual experiences with a male or female consistent with definitions of childhood sexual abuse; consensual sex with an older male or female; bodily exploration with another male or female child; and consensual sex with a peer-age female. Most of the experiences described by participants as consensual with an older male or female, however, met criteria for childhood sexual abuse found in the extant literature. Several men discussed childhood sexual experiences CSE relative to their experiences with alcohol, drugs, and same-sex behavior as adults. Findings suggest that the relationship between CSE and risk-taking behavior may be shaped by whether men perceive their experiences as abusive or consensual, and have implications for researchers, treatment providers and counselors.