At what point does it cross over from curious kids to sexual abuse? Parents and professionals often overreact or underreact to apparent sibling sexual behavior Learning to identify harmful dynamics is key to child safety. We recognise that terms like ‘brother’, ‘sister’, ‘sibling’ and ‘family’ can have diferent meanings in various families, contexts and cultures Experts call for clearer definitions and indicators of sibling sexual abuse, acknowledging that sexual exploration among siblings is common during childhood and adolescence The normalcy of a brother being attracted to his sister remains a contentious topic.
The goal of this bulletin is to define sibling sexual abuse (ssa) and provide guidance for parents and professionals on how to respond Professionals responding to sibling sexual behavior may find their training on child sexual abuse and maltreatment to be helpful However, keep in mind that there are unique dynamics in sibling relationships that are important to consider. Not sure whether sexual behavior between siblings is ok or not Not sure where to draw the line This page offers guidance to parents who discover any kind of sexual activity between their children, as well as those who are wondering about their own actions, or their sibling's actions.
Many children do not recognise or understand the harm they have experienced until they are older and know more about sex and relationships If you’re a parent or carer if you have concerns about sibling sexual behaviour it is important that you acknowledge your own feelings.
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