Lesson 5: Other Types of Family Maltreatment

Sibling Maltreatment

Unlike typical sibling squabbles sibling maltreatment is characterized by a consistent power imbalance, where one sibling uses physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, or neglect to control and harm another.

sibling maltreatment

Highly preventalnt than other form of facility violence is significantly underreported and underdressed due to the normalization and lack of clear legal frameworks.

child to partner violence CPV

occurs when a child typically and adolescent, exhibits a pattern of abusive behaviors, including physical, psychological, emotional, or financial harm to external power and control over a caregiver or parent.

recurrent and intentional nature

particularly to mothers

physical violence from sons and psychological abuse from daughters

underreporting and support

Sibling abuse

involves harmful behaviors between siblings, often mislabeled as typical rivalry.

It's crucial to distinguish between normal sibling conflict and abuse, which involves a power imbalance and intent to harm.

Sibling aggression

is a violent behavior and/or attitude toward a sibling. It can also be a readiness to attack or confront either physically or emotionally. It can be one-sided or mutual.

Mutual sibling aggression is minimized as "fair" or "just a fight," but it does not mean the exchange is harmless. Sibling aggression can be mild or severe. 

Mild aggression 

This often includes pushing, grabbing, insulting, and taking personal items.

While mild aggression does not cause a physical injury, it can inflict emotional harm as well as damage to the relationship.

If this continues and escalates over time, the amount of harm that the person endures can increase. 

Severe aggression 

This type of aggression causes physical or emotional injury. This can involve the use of a weapon and violence intended to harm. Such behaviors usually peak during adolescence. 

Sibling abuse

is a one-sided form of violence or aggression. This most often occurs when there is a power difference between siblings.

The power difference may be as result of age, gender, physical size, abilities, family role, or parental favoritism.

In some cases, the sibling who perpetrates abuse has an underlying mental health issue, developmental disorder, or trauma experience. 

Types of Sibling Abuse

• Physical Abuse

• Psychological Abuse

• Sexual Abuse

• Property Violence & Abuse

Physical Abuse

This type of abuse involves intentional physical harm, such as hitting, kicking, biting, and/or using objects as weapons. It is more common than other forms of family abuse but often underreported. This is often viewed as typical behavior among children. However, this can be harmful and cause injuries as well as emotional harm.

Psychological Abuse

This type of abuse includes behaviors that damage a sibling's self-esteem and emotional well-being through ridicule, humiliation, threats, and intimidation. This is often the most prevalent yet under-recognized form of sibling maltreatment.

Sexual Abuse

This occurs when a sibling is engaging in sexual acts with another. It can range from sexual touching to penetration and may include non-contact forms like voyeurism. Sibling sexual abuse is considered a significant form of intra-familial child sexual abuse.

Property Violence & Abuse

This is the purposeful destruction of a sibling's cherished items as a way to harm them and/or the threat of harming items. This form of abuse targets emotional attachment and can cause significant psychological distress.

Signs of Sibling Abuse

• Frequent Physical Injuries 

• Aggressive Behavior 

• Secretive Behavior 

• Emotional Distress & Dysregulated Emotions

Factors Contributing to Sibling Abuse

• Family Dynamics 

• Age and Gender

• Individual Characteristics 

Effects of Sibling Abuse in childhood

Sibling abuse can result in effects on individuals who are victimized as children and can include aggression, anxiety, depression and increased risk of self-harm and suicide attempts. 

Victims may suffer behavioral problems, defiance, or withdrawal. Individuals also may act out to cope with the abuse or gain attention from adults. Victims may experience physical injuries, chronic pain, or sleep disturbances. 

Effects of Sibling Abuse in adulthood

Sibling abuse has lasting effects into adulthood. Victims often struggle with trust, intimacy, and communication with others. Adult victims of sibling abuse may also struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. They are more likely to develop mental health and suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Individuals also are more prone to substance use and abuse, sexual promiscuity or sexual avoidance, avoidance of marriage or family and increased risk for involvement in abusive relationships. Adult victims of sibling abuse also may be codependent and have poor boundaries.