Dilemmas, decision-making, and ensuing consequences experienced by parents in the immediate aftermath of preverbal child sexual abuse by a daycare employee: A qualitative study

Background: In 2010, a male daycare employee and private babysitter was suspected of having sexually abused over 150 infants and toddlers in what became known as the Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (ASAC). In the immediate aftermath, parents faced challenging decisions about their children's and their own well-being. Objective: To explore dilemmas faced by parents in the direct aftermath of preverbal child sexual abuse (CSA) discovery, their decision-making considerations, and the resulting consequences. Methods: We conducted eighteen in-depth interviews with 21 parents of 19 of the children involved in the ASAC, analyzing them thematically with semantic and interpretive elements. Results: We identified three immediate dilemmas. First, parents doubted whether or not to inform others (e.g., family, friends, school staff) of the CSA—balancing potential stigma against the need for support. Second, parents hesitated about whether or not to make use of professional support services—wavering between fears of distressing their child and their desire to aid recovery. Third, they deliberated legal action—balancing privacy concerns with a desire to pursue justice. Parents experienced both negative and positive consequences from their decisions. Conclusions: The discovery of preverbal CSA forced parents to make decisions with potentially significant ramifications while in crisis. This study may help professionals better understand parental dilemmas and provide support that meets families' as they navigate the immediate aftermath of CSA discovery. Future research should explore long-term impacts on parental decision-making to deepen understanding of findings.