As many as 1 in 20 children experience sibling sexual harm and abuse, according to a recent review published by the NSPCC.
The report highlights that sibling sexual harm and abuse is the most common form of sexual harm within the family setting, with around 1–5% of children having been sexually abused by a sibling.
This can have long-lasting emotional, psychological, and social consequences for children and young people and the wider family unit.
Many children feel confused, ashamed or fearful of breaking up the family, leading to underreporting and delayed interventions.
Sibling sexual harm and abuse has been referred to as the ‘last taboo’ and is a deeply complex issue that is often misunderstood and underreported.
The report argues that the number of children affected by this form of abuse is far greater than is acknowledged by UK official statistics, policymakers and service providers.
Dr Elly Hanson, who is a leading Clinical Psychologist, undertook extensive research to produce the NSPCC’s new report, entitled ‘Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse’.
This review helped inform the NSPCC’s thinking and approach to forming a new bespoke pilot service, called Stepping Stones which launched on 10th March. The pilot programme aims to fill a critical gap in existing services by addressing sibling sexual harm and abuse within a broader family context, working with:
the child or children who have harmed
the child or children who have experienced harm
non-harming siblings
parents and carers
Dr Elly Hanson, Clinical Psychologist, said:
“Sibling sexual abuse and harm is a hidden and often misunderstood issue affecting huge numbers of children and their families, and I fear this number is only increasing – fuelled by porn platforms’ promotion of sibling sex to kids (as well as to adults). Key preventative actions include banning this content online (along with strict penalties) and education in schools on the fundamentals of ethical sexual behaviour. When sibling abuse and harm comes to light, a holistic approach is needed like that offered by the new NSPCC Stepping Stones service – this is one that works with the whole family, prioritises safety, and journeys towards healing”.
