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Incest: Family Problem, Community Concern

NCJ Number
103179
Author(s)
E Strouse
Date Published
1985
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Incest is discussed in terms of its common patterns, psychological effects, signs, causes, and approaches to prevention and treatment.
Abstract
Much incest is not reported, because child victims heed their parents' warnings to keep silent. One estimate is that 9 percent of men and 19 percent of women were sexually violated as children. Victims feel guilt and self-hatred. Abusers are people who lack impulse control and who need to assert power at home. They use children as objects to meet their needs. Children of all ages are vulnerable. Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexuality, reluctance to go home from school, frequent school absences, social isolation, and a drop in academic performance are all subtle signs of incest. More obvious signs are compulsive masturbation, violence toward younger children, social withdrawal, and fear of being touched by an adult. Many researchers and clinicians see the patriarchal society as the source of incest, which is primarily a crime by men against women. Significant progress in dealing with incest will require efforts to overcome many social, professional, and legal obstacles. Prevention programs for young children, the efforts of advocacy groups, and innovative therapies focusing on offenders and on victims are all improving the methods of dealing with this problem. Addresses of national organizations and 8 references.