Chilren and teens who have caused sexual harm to their siblings need help too.  

 

They need help in understanding what they have done and in learning how to avoid repeating this behavior in the future. With effective treatment, they have a high chance of success. 

 

People of any age who realize they crossed a line and hurt their sibling often carry a burden of guilt, shame, and regret. They are suffering too, even if their pain is cloaked in denial, anger, or destructive behavior. They may seriously question their identity, their self-worth, their ability to relate to others, or their sexuality. They may want to make amends to their sibling or reconcile with their family but have no idea where to start.  

 

Child-on-child sexual abuse, and sibling sexual trauma in particular, are extremely complex with respect to family relationships. They are also so stigmatized and poorly understood that reaching out for help can be frightening, and finding appropriate help can be tricky. If the legal system is involved, the court may order a specific program. Other times, adults and parents need to find help on their own.  

 

Tools for Finding Treatment

FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT | National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth

Find a Treatment Provider | ATSA specific, confidential search for local, qualified treatment

Worldwide Search Tool of Providers of Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Treatment Referrals | Safer Society Press

Stop It Now Helpline can help point you in the right direction

Charlie Health offers online therapy with no waitlists, including treatment for problem sexual behavior

 

Additional Resources

• Sexual Behaviors in Youth|The Mama Bear Effect scroll down for a wealth of information on responding to your child's problematic sexual behavior and tips of choosing effective treatment

• Defend Young Minds: Treatment Options for Kids, Paying for Treatment for Kids who have displayed harmful sexual behavior

• Jenkins et al, Preliminary findings of problematic sexual behavior-cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents in an outpatient treatment setting Child Abuse & Neglect, July 2020

• Multi Systemic Therapy for Youth with Problem Sexual Behaviors (MST-PSB)

• International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals Search Tool

• Full article: Evidence-Based Treatments for Youths Who Engage in Illegal Sexual Behaviors

Alex R. Dopp, Charles M. Borduin, Daniel B. Rothman & Elizabeth J. Letourneau (2017) Evidence-Based Treatments for Youths Who Engage in Illegal Sexual Behaviors, Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46:5, 631-645, DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1261714

• Chapter 5: Effectiveness of Treatment for Juveniles Who Sexually Offend

• Pathways to Sexual Offending (From Handbook of Sex Offender Treatment, P 17-1 - 17-16, 2011, Barbara K. Schwartz, ed. - See NCJ-243091) | Office of Justice Programs

• Oxbow Academy