The purpose of this study was the examination of child sexual abuse victims' siblings experiences, in relation to the sexual abuse and its consequences. The methodology was qualitative, conducting in-depth interviews to 8 adolescents, which were brothers or sisters of victims that were treated in a specialized center, and their adult carer. Conclusions based on the results of the study are that siblings of child sexual abuse victims can be considered as secondary victims, because they suffer as a consequence of the disclosure of the sexual abuse. However, the characteristics and severity of the negative effects suffered will depend on different factors, like: relationship with the offender, family functioning, sibling relationship, and individual characteristics.
Keywords:
sexual abuse, secondary victim, disclosure, subjective experience
Espinoza Angelcos, Y., Förster Merkel, C., & Capella Sepúlveda, C. (2011). Siblings of sexually abused victims: An approach to secondary victims. Revista De Psicología, 20(2), Pág. 77–102. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-0581.2011.17933
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