A preview of the AIM practice guidance for harmful sexual behaviour between siblings illustrated by a case series

ABSTRACT

Harmful sexual behaviour that occurs between siblings (HSB-S) is thought to be one of the most common forms of intrafamilial abuse. Despite an increase in academic papers, and acknowledgement of the prevalence of the problem, there is still a lack of specific assessment and intervention models. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview on the Assessment, Intervention and Moving On (AIM) HSB-S Practice Guidance. The framework draws on the literature and evidence-based models, as well as clinical practice illustrated by the four-case series summarised. Of the four-case series illustrated in the paper positive outcomes were observed. In addition, the intervention includes the practitioner guiding the family to write a structured narrative which supports them to restore family relationships and find a way of moving forward. This guidance will strengthen practitioner’s skills and confidence in working with families impacted by HSB-S and provide hope for them that they can heal from this crisis.

PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT

This paper provides a preview for the AIM HSB-S Practice Guidance illustrated by a case series. The framework will provide practitioners with a clear approach to assessment and intervention when working with families impacted by HSB-S.

KEYWORDS:

• Sibling sexual abuse
• harmful sexual behaviour
• restorative
• trauma-informed
• systemic
• narrative

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank all the children/young people, and their families for providing consent to disseminate the hard work that they completed in their healing process. In addition, she would like to thank colleagues who supported her in the delivery of these interventions, and those who provided guidance and supervision, including Dr Jane Anderson (Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist), and Dr Sinéad Marriott (Consultant Clinical Psychologist). Finally, she would like to thank the AIM Project in supporting her and giving her the opportunity to develop the guidance previewed in this paper. In particular, the editors Carol Carson (AIM Project Director), and Joan Cherry (AIM Associate).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Declaration of Interest Statement

The author has been financially supported to develop the guidance previewed in this paper by the AIM Project.