Understanding and Intervening in Sibling Sexual Behaviors and Abuse
Sexual behaviors and abuse between siblings can have profound, life-altering consequences. Recent research from the National Sibling Sexual Abuse Project in the UK has significantly advanced our understanding of this critical issue. This training, developed by Dr. Sophie King-Hill, Professor Kieran McCartan, and David Russell, offers an in-depth exploration of the evidence, resources, and clinical methodologies that have emerged over the past two years.
During the training, the presenters describe research findings that can guide professional understanding of those who cause harm and are harmed by these behaviors. They review the long-term impacts of sibling sexual abuse, which can manifest in various forms of psychological distress and maladaptive behaviors well into adulthood.
A key focus of this training is how the family context plays a role in abuse. The presenters emphasize the importance of adopting a developmental perspective when assessing and treating affected children. To aid professionals in this task, they introduce an innovative mapping tool that ensures attention to all relevant domains of the family context, thereby helping to prevent further harm.
Case studies are employed to illustrate clinical methods for assessment and treatment, providing practical insights for professionals in the field. By addressing the multifaceted nature of sibling sexual abuse, this training equips practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to better understand, prevent, and address this often overlooked form of abuse.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Analyze current theory and practice in relation to sibling sexual behavior.
2) Apply a mapping tool to design and deliver effective and culturally appropriate services to children, youths, and families where sibling sexual abuse has occurred.
3) Evaluate the role of family systems in understanding, responding to, and preventing sibling sexual behaviors and abuse.
4) Describe the lived experiences and perspectives of adult survivors of sibling sexual abuse.
5) Analyze the existing research literature on sibling sexual behaviors and abuse.
Audience
This training is for professionals—including social workers, psychologists, counselors, probation officers, case managers, and other mental health professionals—who work with children and teens who have caused sexual harm or been harmed by a sibling.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Who's Presenting
Sophie King-Hill
Dr. Sophie King Hill is an Associate Professor in the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham, UK. She specialises in sexual behaviours and assessment in children and young people, sexual health, sibling sexual behaviour/abuse, misogyny, relationships & sex education and the importance of youth voice. Much of her work is cross-sector, cross-disciplinary and centred around participatory and stakeholder co-design approaches. Sophie also has an interest in policy implementation, transfer and success frameworks and evaluation strategies. Previously she worked extensively in the third sector in the field of education and sexual health with many diverse groups such as teenage parents and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Kieran McCartan
Prof. Kieran McCartan is a Professor of Criminology at the University of the West of England. He researches a range of areas including the prevention of a response to sexual abuse, as well as trauma-informed practice. He has completed funded research for the Economic and Social Research Council, Leverhulme, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, and Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety and is currently funded as part of an EU Horizon 2020 grant examining child sexual abuse prevention. Kieran has advised (including the Council of Europe and the Australian National Office of Child Safety) and continues to advise (including the European Union, ECPAT International, and NSPCC) many national and international governments and organizations, as well as sitting on several boards (including the Confederation of European Probation and Circles Southwest). He is currently the Vice-Chair of the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abuse (NOTA).
David Russell
David Russell is currently the Development Lead & Service manager at Thriving Survivors and previously held the position of Community Safety & Justice Manager at Midlothian Council. Prior to this he was a senior practitioner with Barnardo’s specialising in work with children and young people with harmful sexual behaviour and / or who had experienced sexual abuse or exploitation. David has extensive experience in providing assessments and interventions for vulnerable children, adolescents and adults within the field of sexual harm and violence and has also worked in custodial settings. David provides training on a range of themes on sexual violence and has facilitated multi-disciplinary training internationally. He currently sits on the NOTA Scotland executive committee, supporting professionals responding to sexual harm.