The impact of sibling sexual abuse on intrafamilial relationships: A fractured group of related people

Background: Parents and siblings play central roles in children's healthy development and social relationships across the lifespan. Trauma which occurs as a result of abuse, especially by an immediate family member, such as sibling sexual abuse (SSA) profoundly disrupts psychosocial development and family functioning. Objective: This study aims to explore how parents perceive and describe changes in intrafamilial relationships following disclosure of SSA. Participants: The sample includes 75 participants who identify as having a child who was sexually abused by a sibling, a child who sexually harmed a sibling, or both. Participants contributed to a larger mixed-methods study on family responses to SSA. Methods: Parents provided open-ended reports on past and current family relationships, including dynamics between the involved siblings, uninvolved siblings, and parents. They also reflected how they currently view themselves and their families. An inductive thematic analysis was employed incorporating constant comparative techniques informed by Grounded Theory tradition. Results: Findings reveal three profiles of parents' perspectives on the sibling relationship following SSA: (1) complete dissolution of what was perceived as a previously close relationship; (2) ongoing strained relationship marked by implicit tension and; (3) consistently difficult relationship, both before and after the abuse was disclosed. Relationships between all immediate family members are also impacted; this includes between parents and their children, uninvolved siblings and between the parents. Conclusion: SSA alters the relational fabric of entire families. Support must therefore address not only survivors but also their siblings, parents, and the family unit as a whole to support recovery and mitigate long-term harm.