“…For example, data from three studies (Alexander et al, 2000;Burkett, 1991;Sroufe et al, 1985)-two of which utilized direct behavioral observation-suggest that mothers who have been sexually abused may have greater diffi culty establishing appropriate hierarchical boundaries with children. Likewise, multiple investigations have found that CSA survivors may be overly permissive (Cole & Woolger, 1989;Ruscio, 2001), or, alternatively, may use excessively harsh discipline techniques with their children (DiLillo et al, 2000;Dubowitz et al, 2001;Hall et al, 1998;Spieker et al, 1996;Zuravin et al, 1996). Together, these fi ndings suggest that mothers with a history of CSA may be slow to set limits with their children, but when they do, they may resort to rather harsh or punitive methods.…”