Preventing Harmful Sexual Behavior Between Siblings

"Despite increased societal awareness of sexual abuse perpetrated by adults, the idea that sexual abuse might occur between children, specifically minor siblings, remains largely unspoken. However, research reveals that sibling sexual abuse (SSA) impacts 1-7% of children and can occur in all families, regardless of income, ethnicity, or family composition. The effect of these behaviors on the involved children and the whole family can be severe. Child sexual abuse prevention efforts should always include a focus on SSA."

"Parents and professionals may mistake problematic sexual behaviors between siblings for typical exploration or innocent play and miss crucial warning signs. Understanding the harmful nature of such behaviors is essential for identifying early warning signs and preventing long-term harm. Another aspect of awareness lies in understanding family characteristics that can increase the risk of SSA occurring. While SSA can and does occur in any family, the risk is greater in families that are experiencing stress."

"Some children and adolescents may pose an increased risk to their siblings. They may show warning signs, like other types of problematic sexual behaviors or more general behavioral or emotional difficulties. Children who have been sexually abused themselves are additionally at risk of harming their siblings, as are children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other childhood adversities. However, young people without any of these characteristics or experiences also sometimes abuse siblings."

Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) occurs in 1-7% of children and can affect families across all income, ethnic, and family-structure groups. Problematic sexual behaviors between siblings are often misinterpreted as normal exploration, delaying identification and intervention. Family stress, caregiver absence, sibling caregiving roles, and other forms of abuse or neglect increase SSA risk. Children who have been sexually abused or who show behavioral or emotional difficulties may pose higher risk to siblings, yet youth without identifiable risk factors can also perpetrate SSA. Prevention and safety planning must include explicit attention to SSA and early warning signs.

Read at Psychology Today