The most significant perpetrator of the violence was the biological father and others including stepfather, brother, uncle, neighbour, mother and a combination. In all cases the perpetrators were well-known to the child. No strangers perpetrated violence on the children. This debunks the myth of 'stranger danger' which is focussed on by the media and social commentators. All perpetrators were in positions of care and trust of the child.
Sexual violence happens more than once.
Survivors of childhood sexual violence will experience difficulties with intimacy and physical contact despite their desire to be intimate. Survivors put a great deal of effort in making their close relationships with partners and children work. Survivors of childhood sexual violence will experience difficulties with friendships and work relations. Survivors of childhood sexual violence attempt to maintain relations with their families even though this involves considerable strain. Despite the extent, chronicity and range of illness reported, women did not focus on illness.