Myths related to childhood sexual abuse and gender equality

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is an important social problem observed in the world in general. This study initially aimed to identify whether the Gender Equality Scale was a valid and reliable measurement device for use in adult individuals. To this aim, validity and reliability studies for the Gender Equality Scale were performed with 353 adults reached though an online survey. The second aim of the study was to seek an answer to the question of whether gender and gender equality variables significantly predict CSA myths. A total of 769 individuals were reached through online surveys to determine predictors of CSA myths. According to the findings, the Gender Equality Scale was determined to be a valid and reliable tool for use with adults. Moreover, the understanding that men are superior and the understanding that women are dependent on men, which are gender variables, explain 38% of CSA myths, while only the understanding that men are superior significantly predicted CSA myths. Consequently, to reduce the sexism led by the understanding that men are superior, studies can be carried out not only with adults but also with other layers of the society in accordance with the ecological system approach.