Incest is a criminal act. The penalties for incest vary from state to state, but in the state of Texas it is imprisonment of 5 years and up. One out of every three girls is a victim if incest, rape and other forms of sexual abuse. One out of seven boys is a victim. Incest usually starts from age 6 to 12 years.
Incest affects all races and all socioeconomic groups.
Perpetrators are most often uncles, followed by cousins, fathers, brothers and step-fathers. A small percentage of the perpetrators are females, most are male. Most involve fathers and daughters. Many sexually abused children grow into adulthood and carry the secret with them their entire lives.