This report examines the prevalence of sibling sexual harm and abuse, the nature and dynamics of this type of harm and the different risk factors for children and families.
Sibling sexual abuse sits within a broad range of sexual behaviours between siblings, including those behaviours which are problematic or harmful but not necessarily abusive. The report explores how different definitions and understandings of sibling sexual harm and abuse can impact professional practice.
The discussion and findings are informed by a review and analysis of qualitative and quantitative research on this topic from 1980 to 2024.
The research reviewed in the report provides a basis for developing good practice principles in understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse. The report aims to inform and support the development of services to help meet the needs of children and families experiencing sibling sexual harm and abuse.
Author: Dr Elly Hanson
Professionals can find it hard to identify, understand and respond to sibling sexual harm and abuse. Identifying what has happened and why, as well as understanding the experiences of the children involved, is important when determining the best approach.
Sibling sexual harm and abuse is often a severe and long-term form of harm. Professionals need to consider the wider family dynamic and develop a response that supports the whole family.
These core goals often overlap and intersect. Professionals should work with children and families to achieve these goals in different ways, without one goal obscuring the others.
Good practice principles can support practitioners working with children and families.
Good practice principles include: adopting a whole family approach; conducting comprehensive assessments and promoting reflective learning; and prioritising safety and preventing further abuse.
Please cite as: Hanson, E. (2024) Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse: a research review and analysis. London: NSPCC.
Our training package helps teams to understand what harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is, how it happens and increase confidence in identifying and responding to incidents.
Use our information and resources to help you recognise child sexual abuse when working or volunteering with children. Includes what signs to look out for and how to respond to concerns.
Briefing on the data available about HSB, including scale of the issue, technology-assisted HSB and characteristics of young people who display HSB.
