Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Children and Youth Services Review, cilt.186, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a complex social problem that requires coordinated responses from legal and child protection systems. However, families’ experiences within these processes are often shaped not only by formal procedures but also by trust, institutional interactions, and access to resources. Objective: This study aims to explore the experiences of families of children who have survived sexual abuse in their interactions with legal processes and institutional structures, drawing on a social capital perspective. Participants and Setting: The study was conducted in Türkiye with 27 family members of children who experienced sexual abuse, including mothers, fathers, and other close relatives involved in the legal process. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis within a social capital framework. Results: The findings reveal a tension between families’ initial expectations of justice and the distrust that develops throughout institutional processes. Families reported fragmented service provision, negative professional attitudes, and experiences of secondary victimization, alongside limited but meaningful supportive interactions. The weakening of linking social capital emerged as a key factor limiting families’ engagement with formal systems and increasing reliance on informal networks. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that families’ access to justice is shaped not only by legal outcomes but also by their experiences of trust, recognition, and participation within institutional processes. Strengthening institutional trust and developing more responsive, coordinated, and trauma-informed practices are essential for improving child protection and legal responses.