Masters Thesis

Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse Within the Hmong Community

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is an issue that has occurred overtime and across all cultures. There has been more research conducted in Asian families to understand the complex factors that surround CSA in Asian families. However, there has been a lack of literature focused on the perceptions and attitudes on CSA held by the Hmong community. This study utilizes a phenomenological approach to explore the perceptions on CSA held by the members of the Hmong community. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with five Hmong women and one Hmong man in Fresno. Four themes emerged from this study: sexual abuse awareness, feelings of vulnerability, shame, and influence of education on culture. The findings indicate that there is awareness that CSA occurs within the Hmong community. Shame is also a factor that discourages the discussion about CSA. Education impacted the participants level of awareness and suggests that education would further bring awareness about CSA within the Hmong community.

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