What is sibling sexual abuse? Like all forms of sexual abuse, sibling sexual abuse is an abuse of power. If a stronger or more powerful sibling bribes or threatens a weaker sibling into engaging in sexual activity, even though the perpetrator is younger, it is sexual abuse. It is abuse because it does not take into account the needs or wishes of the victim; rather, it meets the needs of the other person at the expense of the victim.
“Incest is both sexual abuse and abuse of power. It is violence that does not require force. Another is using the victim, treating her in a way that she does not want or in a way that is not appropriate by a person with whom it is required. a different relationship. It is abuse because it does not take into account the needs or wants of the child; rather, it meets the needs of the other person at the expense of the child. Instead of a parenting purpose for the benefit of the child, it is abuse. If not is wanted or inappropriate for their age or relationship, it is abuse. Incest [sexual abuse] it can occur through words, sounds, or even the child’s exposure to images or sexual acts that do not involve the child. If you are forced to see what you do not want to see, for example, by an exhibitionist, it is abuse. If a child is forced to experience nuanced or sexual content, that is abuse. As long as the child is induced to engage in sexual activity with someone in a position of greater power, whether that power is derived from the age, size, status, or relationship of the perpetrator, the act is abusive. A child who cannot refuse, or who believes that he cannot refuse, is a child who has been raped “(E. Sue Blume, Secret Survivors).
The abuser generally reinforces the sibling trust of the target victim and then violates that trust to commit the abuse. The abuser may use force, the threat of force, bribery, the offer of special attention, or a gift to make the victim keep the abuse a secret.
In sibling sexual abuse, the victim and the abuser are brothers, half-brothers, stepbrothers, or brothers by adoption. As with other forms of sexual abuse, sibling sexual abuse does not involve sexual contact. The abuser can force two or more children to engage in sexual activities with each other. The abuser can force siblings to watch sexual activity or pornographic videos. The abuser may also repeatedly abuse them by watching them get dressed, shower, or use the bathroom.
As with any sexual abuse by a family member, sexual abuse is harmful for the following reasons:
o The victim feels pressured and trapped by the abuser. This pressure includes outbursts, sexual stimulation, or physical force. Self-esteem is immeasurably impacted.
o The victim feels betrayed, because someone who hopes to love and care for her is hurting her in the worst way possible. Furthermore, because children inherently believe that a parent will protect them from harm, and when a brother hurts them, the victim feels betrayed twice, once by his brother and his parents. They might even believe that parents think abuse is acceptable, further adding to the emotional damage.
o The victim may feel responsible, bad or dirty, which generates feelings of guilt, shame and humiliation about their body, sexuality and personality.
o Sibling abuse causes more harm than abuse from a stranger. This is because children depend for years on their families and parents to keep them safe. Studies of convicted teen sex offenders show that sibling offenders commit more serious abuse over a longer period of time than other teen offenders. This is so because the victims – brothers or sisters – are readily available, they are available for longer periods, and the aggressors are protected by forced secrecy.
If you know or suspect that one of your children is being sexually abused by a sibling, you should intervene by contacting a professional who specializes in sexual abuse prevention and recovery. If you allow the abuse and secrecy to continue, because you think that ‘all children experience sexually’ or ‘it is just a phase, they will get over it’, you are no less responsible for the outcome of sibling sexual abuse. than the aggressor brother. Therefore, the damage is continuous and not short-lived. Also, by making an intervention, you are clearly and emphatically stating that the behavior is unacceptable and that both children have a chance to heal.
Most sibling sexual abuse begins because of trauma the abuser has experienced, and it is usually his or her own sexual abuse, although you may not know it.