Sibling incest in a clergy family: A case study

Abstract

A case study is presented of a female adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse where the perpetrator was her older brother. The children belonged to a clergy family where the father was a clergyman in a mainstream Christian church. The family dynamics are described, emphasizing the physically absent father, the emotionally distant mother, and the surrogate parent status of the perpetrator. The victim's adult years are described, revealing recurrent failures both socially and in the workplace, and a general dissatisfaction with life. Her several attempts to seek appropriate help are described. Eventually, one of these proved successful, and the victim's emotional outlook was transformed into that of a survivor. She is now able to view the world from a contented and achieving aspect. Her experiences of disclosing the abuse to her parents and confronting the church hierarchy are described. Concern is expressed at the perceived inappropriateness of some of the professional assistance the victim was offered as she came to terms with her experience of sibling incest.