Up to 1 in 20 children suffer sibling sexual harm and abuse, according to NSPCC research
As many as 1 in 20 children experience sibling sexual harm and abuse, according to a recent review published by the NSPCC.
The report highlights that sibling sexual harm and abuse is the most common form of sexual harm within the family setting, with around 1–5% of children having been sexually abused by a sibling.
This can have long-lasting emotional, psychological, and social consequences for children and young people and the wider family unit.
Many children feel confused, ashamed or fearful of breaking up the family, leading to underreporting and delayed interventions.
Sibling sexual harm and abuse has been referred to as the ‘last taboo’ and is a deeply complex issue that is often misunderstood and underreported.
The report argues that the number of children affected by this form of abuse is far greater than is acknowledged by UK official statistics, policymakers and service providers.
Dr Elly Hanson, who is a leading Clinical Psychologist, undertook extensive research to produce the NSPCC’s new report, entitled ‘Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse’.
This review helped inform the NSPCC’s thinking and approach to forming a new bespoke pilot service, called Stepping Stones which launched on 10th March. The pilot programme aims to fill a critical gap in existing services by addressing sibling sexual harm and abuse within a broader family context, working with:
- the child or children who have harmed
- the child or children who have experienced harm
- non-harming siblings
- parents and carers
Dr Elly Hanson, Clinical Psychologist, said:
“Sibling sexual abuse and harm is a hidden and often misunderstood issue affecting huge numbers of children and their families, and I fear this number is only increasing - fuelled by porn platforms’ promotion of sibling sex to kids (as well as to adults). Key preventative actions include banning this content online (along with strict penalties) and education in schools on the fundamentals of ethical sexual behaviour. When sibling abuse and harm comes to light, a holistic approach is needed like that offered by the new NSPCC Stepping Stones service – this is one that works with the whole family, prioritises safety, and journeys towards healing”.
Kelly Bromfield, CSA Improvement Lead and Service Manager, Children's Social Care, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD), says
"We are pleased to announce that LBBD will be collaborating with the NSPCC on a new pilot project aimed at enhancing our response to sibling sexual abuse within the borough. Recognizing the significance of this issue and its profound impact on vulnerable children and families, we are eager to embark on this collaborative effort to strengthen existing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) interventions in our services.
“As a borough, we are deeply committed to improving the CSA response for the families we work with. This collaboration with the NSPCC aligns with our dedication to safeguarding the well-being of children and ensuring they receive the care and protection they deserve. The Stepping Stones pilot will build on LBBD's current approaches, which include a strong commitment to learning from experts, multi-agency collaboration, and a proactive approach to addressing CSA concerns with a focus on keeping families together as they navigate through these difficult times.
“We look forward to working closely with the NSPCC to advance our shared goal of enhancing the safety and well-being of children in Barking and Dagenham. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by sibling sexual abuse and contribute to a safer, more supportive community."
Marian Moore, Service Manager for the NSPCC Stepping Stones service, added:
“Sibling sexual harm and abuse can have a devastating long-term impact on children, young people and their whole family. Unfortunately, as this research shows, it is happening to far too many children and young people.
“Our new Stepping Stones pilot service marks a hopeful step forward in addressing the stigma around this often hidden form of abuse and tackling the complex needs of families affected by sibling sexual harm and abuse.
“We believe that by offering a whole family approach, delivered by our specialist multi-disciplinary team we can set a new standard for how families affected by sibling sexual harm and abuse are supported. It is a difficult time for children, young people and their families when such complex abuse comes to light and this service will work alongside families on their journey to recovery, a journey which will be different for each family.”
You can find out more information about the Stepping Stones pilot service and the new NSPCC research, Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse, by visiting the NSPCC Learning website – www.learning.nspcc.org.uk.