Sibling abuse, both physical and psychological, is a form of family violence that is often overlooked. Although sibling relationships are crucial for well-being, many do not perceive abusive sibling behaviors as problematic. With approximately a third of U.S. children experiencing such abuse, there is a growing recognition that these interactions can lead to significant negative mental health impacts. Current legal protections focus primarily on sibling sexual abuse, thus highlighting a need for broader awareness and inclusion of all forms of sibling abuse in screenings and family violence responses.
Around a third of children in the U.S. have been pushed, hit, threatened, or humiliated by a sibling. These interactions would be considered abusive, even if the target sibling attempts to defend themselves.
Sibling abuse should be taken as seriously as other forms of family violence. Greater awareness is needed among the public and professionals of this kind of family violence.
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