Sexual grooming behaviours in sibling sexual harm

ABSTRACT

Little research has explored sexual grooming behaviours in sibling sexual harm (SSH). This study investigated the characteristics of SSH, as well as the extent to which sexual grooming behaviours were used, based on the self-report of 38 individuals who were sexually harmed by a sibling. Results showed the SSH most often involved a sibling that was a juvenile themselves. In terms of SSH characteristics, fondling/kissing were the most commonly reported behaviours, and many cases of SSH occurred during afternoon and evening hours, over summer months, and within the siblings’ homes. On average, individuals who experienced SSH reported 13 out of a possible 42 sexual grooming behaviours and the most commonly endorsed sexual grooming behaviours were Victim Selection tactics, while Gaining Access and Isolation behaviours were the least endorsed. The results can be used to inform prevention, education, and policy efforts related to SSH.

Practice impact statement

The results of the study shed light on the common characteristics, as well as the use of sexual grooming behaviours, in sibling sexual harm cases. This information can help inform prevention, education, and policy efforts related to sibling sexual harm.

KEYWORDS:

• Sibling sexual harm; Intrafamilial sexual abuse
• Sexual grooming
• Abuse characteristics
• Sexual grooming model

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Fairleigh Dickinson University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. There are no known conflicts of interest to disclose.