Child-on-child (Peer-on-peer) Sexual Abuse
Adolescent boys who sexually offend against their sisters compared to adolescent boys with sisters who sexually offend against unrelated girls: A qualitative analysis.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
Unique family dynamics and environmental factors may distinguish brothers who commit sibling sexual abuse (SSA) against their sisters from brothers who sexually abuse an unrelated girl. This thematic analysis examined family dynamics, relationships, and life experiences of seven brothers who committed SSA compared to six brothers who, despite having at least one sister, sexually abused an unrelated girl. Interviews were also conducted with three parents from the SSA group and two parents from the unrelated group Families in the SSA group were characterised by fractured family structures, weaker sibling bonds, and the lack of a stable familial anchor compared to non-SSA families. Additionally, these families showed limited open discussion about sexuality, alongside the presence of sexualised elements within the home environment. Findings emphasise the importance of family-focused prevention and intervention strategies.
Practice Impact Statement. Weak family bonds and conflicting approaches to sexuality were notable in families with sibling sexual abuse. This qualitative research suggests promise for family-focused prevention and intervention strategies to address sibling sexual abuse. Findings suggest that helping families in fostering healthy relationships and open communication may help reduce sibling sexual abuse..
Relevance
The study findings “suggests that high pornography use is a risk factor for sexually harming in general.”
Citation
Hilkes, G., Babchishin, K. M., Baskurt, S., Leroux, E. J., & Seto, M. C. (2025). Adolescent boys who sexually offend against their sisters compared to adolescent boys with sisters who sexually offend against unrelated girls: A qualitative analysis. Journal of sexual aggression. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552600.2025.2601743
