Childhood Sexual Abuse Is A Significant Issue - 3180 Words

Abstract Childhood sexual abuse is a significant issue children face in our society that has long term consequences. Sexual abuse in any form is a traumatizing experience regardless of age, but sibling sexual abuse is believed to be more common than parent-child incest. This form of abuse has long term effects such as lack of self-esteem, poor leadership qualities, developing an eating disorder, substance abuse, suffering from depression and/or suicidal behavior. Society often minimizes sibling sexual abuse the long term effects it has. For example, possessing leadership skills like strategic thinking, motivating others, being charismatic, and assertiveness are important aspects of everyday life not only for work environments, but school†¦show more content†¦SSA is also thought to be the most traumatic form of child sexual abuse because it typically involves a longer duration of abuse. â€Å"The duration of the abuse, the use of force and the negative outcomes for women sexually ab used by their brothers are equally or more severe than those for women abused by their fathers† (Tapara, 2012). SSA can be considered more pervasive than any other form of sexual abuse for the following reasons (1) the secrecy and minimization of the abuse, (2) the broken familial connection with the offender, and (3) the interruption of developmental stages and diminished social network. Therefore, there is a tremendous need for research related to prevalence and consequences of SSA, so that mental health professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of how to help the survivors of SSA and triggers for the perpetrators to help prevent future cases of SSA. This exploratory qualitative study will use the following definition of SSA â€Å"sexual behavior between siblings that is not age appropriate, not transitory and not motivated by developmentally appropriate curiosity† (Morrill, 2014). This behavior includes non-contact abuse such as indecent exposure, being forced to watch pornography, or being forced to watch a sibling during masturbation, as well as contact abuse like fondling, groping, oral sex, anal sex, and direct penetration. Often reports of SSA are