Professional responses to sibling sexual abuse

Abstract

ABSTRACT Professional confidence and knowledge are essential in effectively responding to sibling sexual abuse (SSA). If professionals do not have knowledge of the area and confidence in their skills to deliver effective support, then there could be negative consequences for the victims. The methods consisted of narrative interviewing of N = 30 professionals and N = 2 young victims/survivors. This approach was chosen as it provided a thorough and robust picture of practitioner responses to SSA. Through thematic analysis, three dominant themes emerged across both the young person and practitioner data in relation to practitioner responses to SSA, these being minimisation, exaggeration, and catastrophising. SSA is an area in its own right with its own nuances and considerations that make it distinct from other forms of sexual abuse, which means that professional responses and training need to be re-examined to develop new, more appropriate ways of working with victims as well as those who commit SSA. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The impact of this paper is both clinical and professional. It gives insight into a little-researched area and highlights the complex issues in relation to sibling sexual abuse and how this is framed and approached by professionals. This points to the critical need for more work and training in this area when working with SSA and the need for more bespoke professional knowledge.