Working with Survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse

The definitive guide to understanding childhood sibling sexual abuse. Author Christiane Sanderson provides an overview of the nature and dynamics of sibling sexual abuse, its impact and long term effects and how to improve therapeutic support for victims and families. 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.