When a child has been sexually abused by a family member, post-disclosure interventions prioritize the child who was victimized. Siblings who were not directly abused can also be deeply affected by the abuse. New research from McGill University finds siblings are nevertheless routinely unable to access available supports.

The study explores the experiences of non-abused, non-abusing siblings in families affected by intra-familial sexual abuse. It is based on interviews with ten professionals including social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors from across Quebec who specialize in child sexual abuse.

The findings indicate that the siblings of abused children often experience significant emotional and psychological distress while facing barriers to accessing support. Although they may benefit from professional services, they are rarely included in treatment plans or specialized interventions.

Impact of abuse on family relationships

The researchers found that these children often grow up within what they describe as a “trauma-organized family system,” where the effects of abuse shape family relationships, roles and daily interactions. According to the professionals interviewed, all children in the household may be affected by such family environments characterized by secrecy, fear, uncertainty, blurred boundaries and at times, multiple forms of violence.

Even when they are not direct victims of sexual abuse, siblings may be exposed to harmful experiences. These can include witnessing grooming behaviours, living in hypersexualized environments, navigating intense family secrecy or experiencing boundary violations.

Limited access to support

Despite these challenges, available resources are typically directed toward the victimized child and non-offending parents. Institutional barriers can further restrict access, since many programs are not designed for non-abused siblings.

The researchers warn that, by overlooking siblings, service providers may miss opportunities to address emotional distress, improve family communication and support long-term recovery.

Benefits of family-centred care

The professionals who were interviewed suggested that more inclusive, family-centred approaches could benefit all members of the family. Including siblings in selected services or therapeutic interventions may help reduce fear and confusion while giving professionals opportunities to address topics such as healthy boundaries and prevention.

The researchers argue that siblings should be recognized as legitimate recipients of care rather than peripheral participants in the recovery process. They point to a need for further research which explores siblings’ experiences across different forms of family-based abuse and incorporates their voices and perspectives.

They suggest that this approach could improve future outcomes for children and families, while supporting more holistic healing and helping prevent the intergenerational transmission of trauma.

About the paper

Van Vliet, A. C., & Denov, M. (2026). Non-abused, non-abusing siblings: the forgotten children in intrafamilial child sexual abuse interventions published in the Journal of Sexual Aggression

Funding
This work was supported by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.