Working with survivors of sibling sexual abuse : a guide to therapeutic support and protection for children and adults

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Nature of Sibling Sexual Abuse -- Risk Factors in Sibling Sexual Abuse -- Typical Sexual Development in Children -- Atypical Sexual Development in Children -- The Impact of Sibling Sexual Abuse -- Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Sibling Sexual Abuse -- The Effects of Sibling Sexual Abuse in Adult Survivors -- The Intrapersonal and Relational Effects of Sibling Sexual Abuse in Adult Survivors -- Working with Adult Survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse: Trauma Informed Practice -- Working with Adult Survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse: The Therapeutic Relationship -- The Prevention of Sibling Sexual Abuse -- Future Research and Professional Practice.

Sibling sexual abuse is considered to be one of the most common forms of child sexual abuse within the family setting, yet it is often ignored, downplayed or denied in spite the impact on survivors. Shining a spotlight on the hidden phenomenon, Christiane Sanderson provides a rigorous account of the nature and dynamics of sibling sexual abuse. She provides a clear explanation of the difference between developmentally appropriate, consensual sexual exploration and developmentally inappropriate, non-consensual sexual behaviour. The focus is on how these behaviours impact the sibling being harmed, the sibling who is harming, the wider family and adult survivors. This book is essential reading for anyone involved in assessing, supporting, safeguarding or treating individuals or families impacted by sibling sexual abuse and all those working with adult survivors.