The participants were ages 7-12 and were interviewed within a few weeks of disclosure. Data were collected by means of the Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist by Achenbach. Sexual abuse variables related to the nature of the sexual abuse were also analyzed. Contrary to much of the child sexual abuse literature, which suggests a hostile and rejecting relationship, results revealed that the victims perceived a warm and accepting relationship with their mothers. Sexually abused children who perceived lower levels of maternal rejection had higher competency ratings and fewer behavior problems compared to victims who perceived higher levels of maternal rejection. Abusing involving force by the offender was correlated with lower competency in the victims. More violent abuse was also correlated with externalizing behavior problems and sexual behavior problems. Tables and 35 references (Author abstract modified)