Psycho-social Professionals’ Perceptions of Sibling Sexual Abuse

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study explores psycho-social professionals’ perceptions of sibling sexual abuse (SSA) in Israel. The research question was: How do psycho-social professionals who work in the field of child sexual abuse in Israel in various roles, perceive SSA? The study was designed and conducted according to descriptive qualitative research that aims to explore a phenomenon within a particular context from the points of view of various persons who experience it. The sample of 17 professionals was comprised of: directors of Treatment Centers for Child Sexual Abuse, a national supervisor of these services, child welfare workers, and child sexual abuse therapists. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and underwent categorical content analysis. Five themes emerged: (1) Characteristics of the abuse; (2) Who are the “victims”?; (3) Who is the “abuser”?; (4) “Uninvolved” siblings; (5) Constructing the source of the SSA. The findings reflect ambiguity and incoherent perceptions of the participants. The perspectives were heavily weighted towards the relational approach towards SSA (focusing on how the persons involved experience each other and how they communicate about the abuse), while the cultural approach (which takes into a consideration the broader societal context) was given very short shrift.