The Myth of the “Collusive Mother”

Abstract

Mothers whose children were sexually victimized by three types of father figures are compared on factors related to the concept of maternal collusion. Categories of mothers are those whose children were abused by bio-fathers married to the mothers, by stepfathers and mothers' live-in partners, and by noncustodial fathers where there is a separation or divorce. Variables related to collusion that were explored are maternal protectiveness when made aware of the sexual abuse, mothers' relationship with the victim, and maternal dependency. Mothers who were separated or divorced from the offender were rated the most positively on all three variables. Mothers in the other two groups were rated about equally, but findings do not support a conclusion that they are collusive in the sexual abuse of their children.