Unit 3: Incest & Pedo Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the definition of incest according to Blume (1987)?
Any use of a minor child to meet the sexual or sexual/emotional needs of one or more persons whose authority is derived through ongoing emotional bonding with that child.
What distinguishes incest from general child sexual abuse?
Incest involves sexual activity with a relative with whom marriage is legally prohibited, while child sexual abuse can be by any adult and may or may not involve physical contact.
What are examples of non-touching sexual abuse?
Saying things that sexually arouse the child, exhibitionism, voyeurism, or making the child watch sexual acts.
What percentage of children raped are victims of family members (Langan & Harlow, 1994)?
46%
Who commits the most frequent form of incestuous abuse?
The father abusing the daughter.
What personality traits are often found in incestuous fathers?
Immaturity, low self-esteem, high expectations for the child, and possibly a desire to punish the child or their female partner.
Why is mother-child incest underreported?
Societal reluctance to accept that women can be sexual abusers and prevailing myths about maternal behavior.
List some misconceptions about female incest offenders.
That mother-son incest only occurs with intercourse, boys can’t be abused, only males are offenders, and motherly love is non-sexual.
What are common family dynamics in incestuous households?
Inequality between partners, absence of nurturing roles, and role confusion where children take on adult responsibilities, including sexual ones.
What are common motivations behind incestuous abuse?
Retaliation against female partners, feelings of sexual entitlement, impulse control problems, and role confusion.
What typically prompts a daughter to report incest?
To protect younger siblings, realization of being manipulated, or being denied social interaction by the abuser.
How long do incestuous relationships typically last?
1 to 6 years, and they can begin when the child is very young.
What are typical characteristics of families where incest occurs?
Social isolation, authoritarian male figure, religious emphasis, parental relationship distress, and sexual discord.
Why might a mother not report incest?
Fear of financial ruin, loyalty conflict, emotional dependence, or her own history of abuse.
What short-term effects does incest have on children?
Eating disorders, substance abuse, self-mutilation, suicidal thoughts, and general trauma.
What long-term effects can incest have on victims?
Negative sexual attitudes, amnesia, involvement in occultism, promiscuity, anger at non-offending parents.
What is the ‘career development ladder’ for juvenile runaways?
- Victims of incest, 2. Juvenile prostitution, 3. Child pornography involvement.
What are common sexual dysfunctions among incest survivors?
Frigidity, prostitution, promiscuity, anger toward caretakers, and poor self-concept.
What treatment methods are used for incest offenders?
Individual/family therapy, psychoeducation, chemical castration, relapse prevention, community reintegration.
What do studies suggest about the backgrounds of incest offenders?
Many were abused themselves as children and have poor boundaries or oversexualized home environments.
What role does pornography play in incestuous offenders’ fantasies?
Often includes force-based content; more than 90% use pornography to fuel incest fantasies.
How does age of the child relate to the use of force by offenders?
Older children are more likely to encounter physical or verbal force to maintain control.
What is the rate of recidivism among convicted incest offenders?
Generally low, but without treatment, the risk to other children increases.
Why is child sexual abuse by a relative more traumatic than by a stranger?
The child often has no safe place to escape and the abuser is someone they trust and depend on.
