Unspoken realities: Confronting the silence and isolation in intrafamilial child sexual abuse as expressed in the narratives by those who underwent it

Abstract

Intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA) has been studied extensively in recent years. However, most studies have focused on aspects of the child or perpetrator, neglecting the other family members who are sometimes present or aware of the abuse that happens in their family. The current study examined the experiences and perceptions of people who underwent IFCSA of themselves and their family members, as conveyed in their written narratives for the Israeli Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse. A thematic analysis was carried out on 38 narratives of people who endured repeated and continuous IFCSA and who spontaneously referred to their family members in their narratives. According to the participants, the results indicated that when IFCSA occurs, the family tends to remain silent and suppress and deny the IFCSA. As a result, people who undergo IFCSA often perceive themselves as guilty and the family unit as unsafe. These feelings lead to loneliness and isolation both at the time of the abuse and in adulthood. The study’s findings contradict the prevailing notion of IFCSA being an issue hidden within families, instead emphasizing the awareness surrounding it, as evidenced by the narratives of those who underwent IFCSA. This underscores the critical need for intervention and supportive measures at the family level, ensuring that affected families receive the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the consequences of such trauma. Additionally, it highlights the collective societal obligation to actively advocate for public acknowledgment of IFCSA rather than perpetuating its secretive nature.