Family Sexual Abuse

Family sexual abuse can include a number of different abuse types from elder sexual abuse to domestic violence sexual abuse which take place within a family setting. 

There are perceptions that family sexual abuse is carried out by parents on children, but in reality it can be any member of the family can be the victim or the abuser. 

It can also seem impossible that something like this is going on within a family, but it does happen, and it’s likely that most family members will be unaware of what’s happening either. More than likely the knowledge of the abuse is only between the victim and their abuser. 

Family sexual abuse is not something that we’d like to consider happening within our own family dynamic and it can be hard to know what to do or who to turn to if you are victim to, or witness, abuse by a family member. However, it’s important that you do speak out and the abuse is reported. It’s vital, like with any abuse case, that this pattern of behaviour is stopped, justice is awarded to the victim and they have the chance to recover from the trauma of the experience. 

Types of family sexual abuse 

Sexual abuse that takes place within a family can refer to a number of different types of abuse, these can include: 

• Child sexual abuse 
• Domestic sexual abuse 
• Elder sexual abuse 
• Sexual abuse exploitation 

Trust that’s built within families can mean it’s harder for victim’s to see what is actually happening to them, it can also mean that they’re often more susceptible to family sexual abuse. It can be harder for victim’s to reveal the abuse they’re suffering from as well for fear of upsetting or dismantling family life.  

Ways family sexual abuse can happen 

Sexual abuse within a family is used as a way to demonstrate power and authority over the victim, using sexual activities to do so. It often involves physical contact, but it can also occur without it, such as making comments about a young person’s body or forcing them to watch sexual acts.