Risk Factors: Sibling Physical Abuse

Physical abuse of a sibling is more common than many parents realize. It is estimated that about 53% of children have committed at least one act of severe aggression toward a sibling (Wiehe, V., "Rivalry or Abuse?"). Physical abuse can be long-term or intermittent, but any violence toward a sibling threatens the physical and emotional well-being of the child. Here are some risk factors for sibling physical abuse:

• Inappropriate Care-taking Roles: When one child is burdened with so much responsibility for a sibling that he or she is essentially that child's surrogate parent, physical abuse often ensues. Parents should use resources such as after school care programs instead of leaving older children in charge of younger ones. Parents should also educate themselves on appropriate times to leave their children on their own, and understand that no child of any age should be burdened with too much responsibility for a sibling.
• Children have observed violence: Children (and people) often learn by observing others. If children have been exposed to violence, either through the media, at school, or in their neighborhood, they are more likely to see it as an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.
• Parents don't intervene: When parents see violence between children, they may assume it is normal roughhousing or part of a two-way fight. If parents are frequently not at home, then there is no parent around to stop the violence. 

It is important to note that violence toward a sibling should never be downplayed. Physical abuse of a child by a child is just as harmful as physical abuse of a child by a parent. Parents are responsible for setting very clear rules and enforcing them. Violence is never acceptable.