What You Need to Know About Sibling Sexual Abuse / Sibling Incest
April 12, 2009SIBLING SEXUAL ABUSE / INCEST
Sexual interaction beyond age-appropriate exploration such that “older siblings, who differ significantly in age or by virtue of their power and resources, may also be considered abusive” (Tower, 1996, p. 134).
When we hear the word incest we often assume it refers to a familial adult on child situation where the adult might be a father,
step-father, grand-father, or uncle (also mother, step-mother, grand-mother, aunt.) However it can also be a brother or sister (also cousin, step-sibling, foster-sibling).
Like all forms of sexual abuse, sibling sexual abuse is an abuse of power. If a more powerful sibling, who may be older or stronger, bribes or threatens a weaker sibling into sexual activity, that is called sexual abuse. Sexual abuse by a sibling often will cause more damage than sexual abuse by a non-family member because children are dependent for years upon their families.
SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER
■ It is never a good idea to leave older children in charge of their younger siblings for long periods.
■ Don’t routinely use older children as baby-sitters.
■ Parents need to listen to their children when they reveal that they have been abused by an older sibling. Take it seriously and investigate it, as the effects of sibling incest are very serious and long lasting.
■ Don’t blame the victim.
■ Get professional help immediately.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
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