Date of Conferral

12-15-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory Hickman

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) can be detrimental to survivors well into adulthood and can affect the relationships of everyone with whom they are involved. Knowing the perpetrator is a determining factor in the equation and is associated with increased odds of behavioral health challenges among survivors. This is especially true within African American communities, where cultural violence results in an increased level of trauma. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of African American CSA survivors and their relationships with the perpetrators. As part of the phenomenological design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven adults who had a history of CSA that occurred more than 10 years before participating in this study. The theoretical framework underpinning this research was Jennifer Gomez’s cultural betrayal trauma theory, which provides an understanding of cultural violence and mental health outcomes in marginalized communities. Braun and Clark’s analysis protocol was used to process the data. The results indicated that CSA perpetrated by other people in a victim’s life, such as cousins and extended family who have access to them, can have long-term effects like those perpetrated by parents and stepparents. Developing culturally sensitive services and programs can support African American survivors during the healing process. Interventions created by healthcare and human services professionals, law enforcement, and clergy professionals must be culturally competent to address the unique needs of survivors and their families. More peer-guided research that focuses on CSA from the perspectives of African American men could help to provide a deeper understanding of their experiences.

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