What is Incest? Is it Sexual Abuse?

What are acceptable boundaries of affection between family members or close friends of the family? How do you know when someone has crossed the line and moved into unacceptable sexual behavior? Is incest, or sexual abuse of children by other than strangers, really that common? Does it really do that much harm to the child?

Most under reported crime

Incest has been cited as the most common form of child abuse and yet it is an extremely under-reported crime. This type of abuse and betrayal of trust has the most potential for psychological and emotional harm to children.

Incest differs from other forms of sexual abuse in that the perpetrator is assumed to stand in a protective or parental role to the victim.

A child molested by a stranger can run home for help and comfort. A victim of incest cannot. The danger is at the one place the child hopes will offer safety and security.

What is incest?

Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between people who aren't married to one another. State laws vary regarding the type of sexual activity and also on what constitutes the type of kinship that indicates incest rather than sexual abuse.

Some definitions include teachers, neighbors, stepfamilies, babysitters, ministers/priests and others who are in the circle of influence of a child and have established an emotional bond. That is why it is hard to get substantiated statistics, because different reporting agencies and experts generally refer to events with this obscure language and misleading definitions.

Perpetrators also tend to be great at manipulating the truth to serve their own needs and blame others or lessen the degree of criminal activity.

It Can Happen in Any Family

Incest can happen in any family and can happen one time or be an on-going problem. Boundaries are crossed and sacred trusts are broken. Sometimes there is confusion in family roles and if the parent is absent, either physically or emotionally, the child is forced into that role. Sometimes an adult will rationalize what they are doing is a "service" to the child to teach them about sex and prepare them for adulthood.

Incest is Wrong and a Criminal Offense

Whatever the reason or the excuse the offender uses, it is wrong! It is against the law for adults in any capacity to have sexual contact or inappropriate sexual relations with a child less than 16 years of age.

Adults are responsible for protecting, loving and nurturing children, not hurting them.

Incest becomes very confusing for the child involved.

When acceptable boundaries of behavior have been crossed, it confuses the child about what is normal and who can be trusted. It especially impacts their self confidence and empowerment over their own life.

Many times the perpetrator really does love and value the child, but chooses an inappropriate way of expressing that love.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

The information for this article was taken from a book being written called Caution Without Fear-Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse and Finding Help if it Has Occurred. This book will soon be available at Artichoke Press. Would you like to learn to set boundaries and build self confidence in yourself and loved ones? Check out the affordable and effective new eCourse by Judy H. Wright at www.EncourageSelfConfidence.com Please join us for free weekly teleclasses at www.ArtichokePress.com where you can sign up for a free newsletter; The Artichoke-Finding the Heart of the Story in the Journey of Life.

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