Sexual misuse of children by family members: the dynamics of a complex problem

Studies suggest that, in the United States, as many as one of every three or four children have been or will be sexually misused, but most of these episodes will never be reported. Many of the victims are abused by members of their own family. Why this abuse occurs and why it often remains undisclosed are explored in this article. The types of abuse and the situational aspects that give rise to its occurrence are analysed both in terms of participants (offenders, victims and other family members) and in terms of form (incestuous relationships within the home and outside exploitation). Possible solutions to this complex problem are also considered with the realization that only by first understanding the many factors that create and reinforce the patterns of abuse, will we be able successfully to address this common and most disturbing matter.