What is Sibling Abuse?

So now that I've got this blog rolling, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty issue: what exactly is sibling abuse? Researchers disagree on an exact definition, but it can be broadly defined as the “physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of one sibling by another.”[1] But how, exactly, can we put this definition into practice?

We can all agree that there is no excuse for physical or sexual abuse. Emotional abuse is not as clear-cut. Parents know that it can be hard at times to ascertain which sibling is being picked on and which is doing the picking. Being able to define sibling abuse requires an ability to distinguish abuse from rivalry.  Different researchers have come up with different strategies for making this distinction. Doctor Vernon Wiehe, a professor of social work at the University of Kentucky, is a prominent researcher of sibling abuse and has developed a system for ascertaining if a situation is abusive. His method is available here. He has some intriguing theories as to why siblings become abusive and what parents can do to prevent abuse.

Systems such as Wiehe's can be a bit complicated and hard to follow. So I have developed my own system for ascertaining if a situation is abusive. I call it: Four Red Flags of Sibling Abuse
Here’s a breakdown:

• Their roles are rigid. One sibling is always the victim; the other is always the aggressor. [2]
• One sibling is frightened of the other
• The aggressor's main objective is to get a thrill from the behavior (rather than to retaliate, express a frustration, compete, etc.)
• One sibling consistently attacks with no provocation

If parents notice one or all of these signs, they are dealing with sibling abuse. Once they have found out about it, they must do everything in their power to stop it. This means educating themselves, finding resources, and practicing different methods until they have successfully eradicated bullying from their homes. I hope my blog will point them in the right direction.  

              

  

                

                

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[1] Frazier BH, Hayes KC. Selected Resources on Sibling Abuse: An Annotated Bibliography For Researchers, Educators and Consumers. SRB 94 – 08 Special Reference Briefs. 1994. Formerly available at URL: http://www.cyfernet.org/research/sibabuse.html. Accessed 23 May 2008.

[2] Boyse, Kyla, RN. "University of Michigan Health System." Sibling Abuse: Your Child:. N.p., Nov. 2012. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.