What Do We Know?

The best estimate based on current research is that only about 12% of those who are affected by sibling sexual trauma ever tell anyone about it [1]. But, it is impossible to truly measure how many never tell, even anonymously to a researcher.

With that in mind, 5WAVES estimates that at least 3-5% of children are sexually harmed by a sibling [2]. This means that a child is about as likely to experience sibling sexual trauma as to have a food allergy [3].

Leading researchers suspect that sibling sexual trauma is one of the most prevalent forms of child sexual abuse [4].

Sibling sexual harm starts earlier, lasts longer, and is more frequent and severe than other child sexual abuse. In half of all cases, the harm to a child begins before their 8th birthday, and lasts more than 5 years [5].
The consequences of sibling incest are as serious for the survivor as adult-child incest. They include anxiety, depression, shame, Complex PTSD, difficulty maintaining stable and trusting relationships, stress-related pain and physical illness, increased risk for substance addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, sexual exploitation and victimization into adulthood [6].
Children who bear the responsibility for sexually harming a sibling, or who felt at the time that they were a willing participant, are still likely to suffer lifelong negative consequences including shame, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and increased risk for suicide and addiction [7].
Adults, including parents and professionals, find it difficult to accurately assess and appropriately respond when they learn of sexual behavior in children. In a survey of professionals who respond to reports of child sexual abuse in the UK, 73% reported they had received inadequate training about sibling sexual behavior, with many reporting no education or training whatsoever [8].

More than ⅓ of sexual harm to children is caused by other children or teens [9].
Although the harm to their siblings is serious and real, and the short-term risk for relapse is real, factors that lead children and teens to make this tragic choice are very different than for adults who sexually abuse children [10].
Less than 10% of adolescents who commit any sexual offense will be arrested for another offense as an adult [11]. Studies are needed that look at risks specifically for those who have sexually harmed a sibling.