Understanding Intra-familial Sexual Abuse
Article written by Sierra Jade Ebright
Trauma has a devastating and long-lasting effect on individuals. Intra-familial trauma is a type of trauma that occurs when the victim and abuser are members of a family. The following article will explore the effects of it.
The Normalization of Silence
Years of scientific research have shown that people learn how to live, act, think, and react based on their exposure to the world around them. In the case of intra-familial trauma, the lines of family roles can become blurred, and patterns can develop that are never discussed within the home, leading to behaviors that carry into everyday life and offspring. One of the most challenging aspects of intra-familial trauma is that many children do not speak up about the abuse they endure. Victims have a distorted sense of where help and support come
from. Sexual abuse in the home is normalized when such acts continue without consequence or positive change. Often, the victim does not receive validation from the family when they speak out. Silence is the umbrella that carries the trauma. Silence perpetuates unsolved circumstances that manifest in numerous mental and emotional developmental pressures. Often, the abuser was
also abused and is carrying out the same behavior as if it is normal. This can lead to an ancestral stain that disrupts the ability to form healthy social relationships as the lines of boundaries for one family unit become more clearly different as we go out into the world and discover other ways of living.
Learning and Healing
Understanding Intra-familial trauma is pivotal to understanding how to prevent and heal from incestuous abuse. Trauma can affect the entire family dynamic. Blaming and side-taking are very common for the victim and family to experience. It is crucial to understand intra-familial trauma because it allows us to identify and address misconceptions and behaviors that occur within a family unit. By acknowledging the impact of intra-familial trauma, we can create healthy, enriching environments that promote positive growth and development for individuals and families.
Intra-familial trauma can have severe consequences on mental and emotional well-being. Some prevalent in childhood and throughout adulthood are shame, low self-esteem, PTSD, depression, hypersensitivity, anger, addiction, and inability to cope with emotions. Understanding the impact of intra-familial trauma is crucial to creating healthy, supportive environments that promote healing and growth for all involved.
The impact of intra-familial trauma is significant and can affect individuals and families for generations to come. By understanding and acknowledging intra-familial trauma, we can take steps to create healthy, supportive environments that promote healing and growth for all involved.
It is essential to encourage victims to speak out. By doing so, we can work towards breaking the cycle and creating a better future for families and communities.
References: Coping with Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse
Comments