Handbook of Child Abuse Research and Treatment

Abstract

A Continuation Order Plan is available for this series. A continuation order will bring delivery of each new volume immediately upon publication. Volumes are billed only upon actual sh ipment. For further information please contact the pub lisher. LIbrary of Congress CatalogIng-In-PublIcatIon Data Handbook of ch Ild abuse research and treatment I ed Ited by John R. Lutzker . p . cm . --(Issues In clInIcal chIld ps ychology) Includes bIblIographIcal references and Index. 1. Ch I l d abuse--Psychologlca l aspects. 2 . ChIld abuse--PreventIon. 3 . AbusIve parents--Behavlor mod lf1cat lon. 4. Abused c h1 1dr e n--Re hab 1i t t a t t o n . I. L u t z k e r , .Jchn R., 1947-II . SerIes . HV6626.5 .H36 1997 362 .76'7--dc21 97-39967 CIP ISBN 978-1-4419-3278-5 ISBN 978-1-4757-2909-2 (eBook)

Impact of child sexual abuse on non-abused siblings: A review with implications for research and practice

“…Siblings can experience a wide variety of problems including internalizing and externalizing symptoms (Pogue & Hansen, 2016) and may engage in negative behaviors toward the victim and non-offending caregiver (e.g., anger, not believing the victim). The severity of the abuse, length of time that the abuse occurred, perpetrator's relationship to the family, location of the abuse, the sibling's age, disposition when faced with uncertainty and stress, and the closeness of the victim's relationship to the sibling may influence the sibling's emotional and behavioral response (Baker et al, 2001;Hill, 2003;Swenson & Hanson, 1998).…”

“…Research has found that intrafamilial abuse is associated with greater negative outcomes for victims (Murray et al, 2014;Stroebel et al, 2012;Swenson & Hanson, 1998). The literature has suggested that intrafamilial CSA tends to occur in families that are more disorganized and chaotic, have increased psychosocial stressors, and are more socially isolated compared to families without CSA and to families with extrafamilial offenders (Levitt et al, 1991;Ray, Jackson, & Townsley, 1991;Seto et al, 2015;Swenson & Hanson, 1998;Wright, 1991). Many of these same factors, including parent-child relationship conflict, divorce, and low family cohesion, are associated with increased likelihood of depression (Lewinsohn et al, 1994).…”

“…Following disclosure, the immediate and long-term tangible consequences for the siblings may moderate the experience of distress (Baker et al, 2001;Hill, 2003). First, there may be immediate safety concerns involving contact with the alleged perpetrator, particularly in cases of intrafamilial abuse (Swenson & Hanson, 1998). Immediately following disclosure, a safety plan may be implemented to ensure the safety of the victim and siblings.…”

“…These physical separations can also lead to more concrete changes for the siblings, including moving schools and neighborhoods or even relocating to another state. Further, in cases where the perpetrator was a caregiver, loss of income may lead to financial stressors that may impact the entire family unit (Swenson & Hanson, 1998;Wright, 1991).…”

“…While there has been a substantial body of literature dedicated to the impact of CSA on victims and non-offending caregivers, little is known about the experience of CSA for non-abused, non-offending siblings (Hill, 2003;Swenson & Hanson, 1998;Tavkar & Hansen, 2011). Clinical case examples and anecdotal evidence suggest that non-abused siblings can experience a variety of negative emotional and psychological effects, such as confusion and guilt (Bentovin, 1991), along with more tangible consequences including changing schools, moving residences, or interacting with law enforcement (Baker, Tanis, & Rice, 2001).…”