The study was undertaken by the Australian Institute of Family Studies and commissioned by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

This report explores:

• the decision of survivors of child sexual abuse to disclose to family members;
• what the victim hoped to achieve through disclosure;
• initial responses;
• longer-term impacts;
• family roles and relationships before and after disclosure;
• the role and meaning of the institution for the family before and after disclosure; and
• current family relations.

The different effects of disclosures made in adulthood compared to those made in childhood are also discussed. The report concludes with implications for enhancing support responses to victims and their families.