We Believe (in) You.

white text on black saying "sibling sexual trauma in childhood is as common as allergies"

Healing is possible

The Statistics

The most common place for children to be sexually abused is in a home.
15% of adults recalled some kind of sexual activity with a sibling during their own childhood and 5-10% reported that the activity was harmful or coercive
90% of the time a child already knows the person who is sexually abusive toward them
About one in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday
More than ⅓ of sexual harm to children and teens is caused by other children or teens
Only about 12% of those who are affected by sibling sexual trauma ever tell anyone about it
Despite current estimates that half of all childhood sexual harm is caused by other children or teens, resources for child sexual abuse and incest usually assume that an adult caused the harm

You are not alone

Sometimes it seems you are the only one going through this. Unfortunately, a lot of CSA survivors struggle with speaking out, whether it be disclosure, sharing their experience and admitting the positive and negative coping they need. As more people begin to speak out, we are finding there are more who do share the experience than we would have imagined.

Sibling Sexual Trauma is often further dismissed as 'child's play' or 'exploration'. When it isn't dismissed, it is often still downplayed by the amount of shame that runs through families. After we realized 'stranger danger' wasn't the most common threat to children, we turned to the 'predators' in our communities. However, sexual trauma can happen despite any intentions of harm. This includes normal 'curiosity'. Combined with young people who make mistakes and haven't matured yet, these interactions can be just as, if not more damaging than an encounter with a 'predator'.

There is a community of people who have been intentionally, unintentionally and inadvertently harmed who are all equally deserving of healing. You may find some people's experiences resonate more than others and finding your safe support is important. However, even if you haven't found them, they are out there. You are not alone.

Healing is Possible

Acknowledging the Pain

The first step in the healing journey is acknowledging the pain and trauma caused by the assault. It is crucial for survivors to understand that their feelings are valid and that they have the right to feel hurt, angry, and confused. The impact of sibling sexual assault can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, trust issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. Recognizing these effects is an essential part of the healing process.

Seeking Professional Help

Healing from sibling sexual assault often requires professional support. Therapists and counselors who specialize in trauma and sexual assault can provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors to explore their feelings and experiences. Therapy can help survivors process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work towards rebuilding their sense of self-worth and trust. Different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused therapy, can be effective in addressing the unique needs of survivors.

Building a Support System

A strong support system is crucial for healing. This can include trusted family members, friends, support groups, and online communities. Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide a sense of validation and understanding. Support groups, both in-person and online, offer a space for survivors to share their stories, exchange coping strategies, and receive encouragement from others who are on a similar journey.

Self-Care and Healing Practices

Self-care plays a vital role in the healing process. Survivors should prioritize activities that promote their well-being and help them reconnect with their bodies and emotions. This can include:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that help survivors stay grounded and present, reducing anxiety and stress.
Creative Expression: Engaging in art, music, writing, or other creative outlets can be therapeutic and provide a way to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall physical health.
Healthy Boundaries: Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries is essential for survivors to protect their emotional and physical well-being.

Rebuilding Trust and Relationships

Rebuilding trust, both in oneself and in others, is a significant part of the healing journey. Survivors may struggle with trust issues and fear of vulnerability. Therapy can help survivors develop healthy communication skills, understand the dynamics of trust, and gradually rebuild their ability to form meaningful and healthy relationships.

Empowerment and Advocacy

Many survivors find empowerment in advocating for themselves and others who have experienced similar trauma. Engaging in advocacy work, raising awareness about sibling sexual assault, and contributing to prevention efforts can be empowering and healing. Survivors can use their voices to create change, support other survivors, and work towards a future where such abuse is prevented.