Final answer:
The statement that sexual abuse is more psychologically damaging when perpetrated by a stranger is false. Abuse by someone the victim knows often has more severe impacts due to the betrayal of trust. Understanding the complexities of abuse is essential for proper support and prevention efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that negative psychological outcomes of sexual abuse are more severe when the perpetrator is a stranger is false. In fact, the trauma associated with sexual abuse can often be more severe when perpetrated by someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver. This betrayal can lead to complex emotions and can severely impact the healing process. It's important to acknowledge that every individual's reaction to abuse is personal and can vary widely, regardless of the perpetrator's relationship to the victim.
In the context of elderly abuse specifically, if we look at a study by Acierno which included a sample of 5,777 respondents aged sixty and older, the perpetrators of abuse are not always strangers, indicating the complexity and personal nature of this issue. This aligns with the broader findings across populations that abuse can have a significant impact on both individuals and society regardless of who the perpetrator is.