Incest

Child abuse is a scary thought.  But when incest is a part of the abuse, the situation becomes unthinkable.  Although incest is the most common type of child abuse, it is one of the most under-reported crimes of any kind.  A child who is a victim of incest can be devastated for life unless the right steps are taken to guarantee his or her recovery. 

What is Incest?
Incest was once defined as sexual victimization or abuse by a blood relative.  It is currently described as any sexual abuse by a blood or non-blood relative or a trusted adult.  Most criminals who instigate the incest are adults in a position of power; the typical victim is anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in seeking help, either because the abuser is a loved family member or because the victim feels threatened by the abuser.

Incestuous acts definitely include sexual acts, but also includes the following:

• Touching any part of the victim's body sexually
• Sexual kissing and hugging
• Watching the victim in a sexual manner
• Verbal invitations of sexual activity
• Pornographic photography
• Reading explicit material
• Exposure to inappropriate sexual activity

Incest happens all over the world, and it can happen to people within any economic, ethnic, or religious group.

The Numbers
Because incest is rarely reported, it is impossible to determine how often it occurs.  It is estimated that 10 million Americans are victims.  61% of incest victims are under the age of 18.  Additionally, 46% of children who are raped are victims of family members. 

Girls are at a substantially higher risk than boys, but it is believed that the actual number of male incest cases is under-reported.

The majority of reported incest abusers are male.  Male perpetrators are responsible for 95% of the rapes of girls and 80% of the rapes of boys.  Of male abusers, 44% also sexually abuse children outside their family. 

What Happens to the Victim
The effects of incest are physical and emotional.  As youngsters, many victims cope by believing it is a "learning experience" common to all families.  Over time, many block out memories of the trauma.  This is not simply to avoid remembering.  Studies show victims actually undergo endocrine and neurological changes resulting in amnesia.

Survivors are likely to suffer from any of the following effects:

• Eating disorders
• Sexual disorders
• Reluctance to seek medical care
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Intense shame
• Extreme guilt
• Self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, promiscuity, prostitution)
• Inability to trust
• Fear of intimacy
• Depression
• Suicidal tendencies

Survivors sometimes become abusers themselves.  Studies of prison populations show that of those convicted of rape or sexual assault, two-thirds had been victimized as children and almost one-third had been a victim of incest.

Recovery
Recovery is a long, painful process, but it is possible.  A professional can assist the victim to heal within a safe environment.  The situation surrounding the incest is then exposed, freeing the victim to focus solely on their recovery. 

Sadly, incest is more common than anyone cares to admit.  The trauma carries life-long effects on victims.  With the help of a caring professional, though, victims can feel good again.