New research to document the experiences of the “hidden group” of child sexual abuse
A new research study by academics at Dublin City University will examine the impact of disclosures of child sexual abuse on the siblings of children who have experienced such abuse.
Siblings have been referred to as the “hidden group” of child sexual abuse; as very little is known about their specific experiences.
The study led by Dr Rosaleen McElvaney and Dr Simon Dunne, School of Nursing and Human Sciences, is the first of its kind in Ireland.
While much is know about the impact of various issues on families such as substance abuse, in contrast, little is documented nationally or internationally to provide insights about siblings who learn of the sexual abuse of their own brother or sister.
This study will explore the impact of sexual abuse on sibling and other family relationships through a national survey in order to identify the support needs of siblings and to offer recommendations on how best to respond to siblings in the aftermath of a disclosure of child sexual abuse.
Statistics in Ireland have shown that approximately one in four have been the victim of child sexual abuse (CSA) and there are large bodies of data to demonstrate the negative consequences of CSA.
Small sample one-off studies have shown that siblings struggle to cope with the legacy of their sibling’s abuse, in the context of what they thought was a normal family environment.
Often these siblings experience guilt, anger and despair. The research team are inviting siblings impacted by this issue to take part in an online survey which was recently launched.
The online survey will seek information about the nature of the child sexual abuse experienced by the sibling; details of the disclosure, including who was told, when they were told and how the disclosure came about; and the short- and long-term reactions to the disclosure.
It is envisaged that this study will form the basis for further qualitative and quantitative research into this area and assist in formulating public policy responses.
Dr. Rosaleen McElvaney commented:
“This is an under researched area but services, such as One in Four, are responding to families’ needs by providing support to siblings, many of whom really struggle.
We need some reliable data on both the nature and the extent of the impact of child sexual abuse on family relationships so that we know how best to respond to these families.”
Dr Simon Dunne added:
“Very little is known about how disclosures of childhood sexual abuse impact siblings and their relationships with other family members, including victims of abuse themselves. If you are a sibling of a victim of child sexual abuse, completing this national survey will allow your voice to be heard on these issues and what can be done to address your support needs in the future.”
The online link to the survey is available here
Dr Rosaleen McElvaney is Assistant Professor in Psychotherapy and Associate Dean of International Affairs for the Faculty of Science and Health. Dr McElvaney is a chartered clinical psychologist (PSI) and accredited psychotherapist (IAHIP) with over 15 years' experience in the public health services in Ireland, mostly in services for children or adults who have experienced sexual abuse.
Dr McElvaney has served on the Boards of Crime Victims Helpline, the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, One in Four and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Dr McElvaney is available for media interviews and is also on twitter @rosaleenmcelva1
Dr Simon Dunne is Assistant Professor in Psychology, based in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences.