This pioneering volume brings a rarely-studied population--wives and girlfriends of men who
molest children--into the clear focus necessary to understand the dynamics of these disturbed
families. Details of the study spotlight interview methodology format structure and safety
as the subjects provide crucial data--about their partners as well as themselves--typically
overlooked by law enforcement and other professionals. Findings clarify or replace popularly
held ideas about the psychology of partners of child molesters and of the abusers themselves
in key areas such as childhood experience of sexual abuse and the construction of elaborate
fictions to cover the abuse. In addition a comparative analysis of findings by American and
Dutch researchers provides early possibilities for cross-cultural research. Included in the
coverage: The interviewees: developmental and abuse history relationship with the molester.
The molesters: abuse arrest and mental health histories. Practical suggestions for conducting
interviews. Opportunities for intervention in primary care. Common behaviors of molesters. The
involvement of pornography. Child molestation cases are among the most difficult in terms of
obtaining information. Taking original steps toward capturing the whole story Wives of Child
Molesters within the Family is as significant to law enforcement personnel as it is to mental
health professionals dealing with molesters and pedophiles.
