Are Parent Experiences of Sexual Violence Related to their Communication with Children About Sexual Violence Topics?

The article delves into the correlation between parental experiences of sexual violence and their communication with children about sexual violence topics. It highlights the protective role of frequent and positive parent-child communication in preventing sexual violence among children and adolescents. The study aims to assess parents' past and intended future communication about sexual violence topics and the age at which these conversations occur. Using Protection Motivation Theory, the research explores how parental experiences of sexual violence influence their motivation to engage in such communication. Additionally, it examines other parental factors, such as demographics and attitudes, that may contribute to these behaviors. The findings offer valuable insights for developing interventions to enhance parent-child communication about sexual violence, thereby potentially reducing the risk of sexual violence among children and adolescents.