The authors contend that sibling abuse is so common in our society that it is difficult to find information about it, and that the problem is complicated by the fact that siblings may be both abuser and victim, alternating roles. In the first section, they discuss sibling development and relations, and incest and other forms of sibling abuse. The second section covers family characteristics, the differences and similarities among various gender combinations of abuser and victim, and the context of family violence. The final section covers assessment and treatment, from initial family interviews through therapy with various combinations of family members, specific intervention strategies, and therapy with adult survivors of sibling abuse.
Appendices provide interview questions, questionnaires, and references.
This is a very useful study of a topic on which little has been written. Any therapist dealing with survivors of abusive families should have a copy on hand. You can also print out a text copy of our order form if you prefer to buy by phone or fax.