The risk and protective factors, response to disclosure, and interventions for sibling sexual abuse: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is the most common form of intra-familial child sexual abuse yet is largely understudied.

Objective: To systematically review the literature on risk and protective factors, disclosure patterns and responses to disclosure, and therapeutic or other responses to cases of sibling sexual abuse.

Methods: In line with PRISMA guidelines, six key databases were searched along with a systematic search of key grey literature sources. Studies were then screened with 39 included for review.

Results: SSA behavior was most commonly demonstrated by male siblings with histories of abuse, learning disabilities, and exposure to family conflict, violence, and disadvantage. Rates of disclosure to parents were low, with many victims (most commonly female) not disclosing until adulthood. Parents were also found to often respond poorly by minimising and disbelieving victimized children.

Conclusions: Early detection and prevention are paramount to improve outcomes for children and young people, and their families. Professionals working in sectors such as social work, education, health, and mental health need to be aware of the risk and protective factors, disclosure patterns, and appropriate responses to SSA behavior to provide effective support. Our review highlights the need for more awareness-raising and education for parents to address the issue of SSA in families, reduce stigma and barriers to disclosure for victims, and facilitate access to treatment and intervention when harmful sexual behaviors are demonstrated. There is a need for more rigorous research on SSA behavior to support practice development.

Keywords: Child sexual abuse; Harmful sexual behaviors; Intervention; Parenting; Prevention; Sibling sexual abuse.