The Environment of Intrafamilial Offenders – A Systematic Review of Dynamics in Incestuous Families
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sexual Offending: Theory, Research, and Prevention
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify family characteristics and dynamics relevant to the initiation
and maintenance of intrafamilial child sexual abuse. An understanding of essential characteristics
of the affected families could help to prevent such crimes. In order to provide an overview of the
current state of research, a literature review based on the PRISMA criteria was conducted. For the
research in the databases PsycInfo and PSYNDEX, predetermined criteria and search terms were
used. Fifteen relevant articles from 1991 to 2020 were identified. The studies examined perpetratorvictim relationships, the role of the mother, the relationship between the parents and
characteristics of the families in which child sexual abuse took place. Relevant core characteristics
of incestuous families are dysfunctional, violent, and conflictual relationships between the parents,
and between parents and children. However, these factors are often not specific to intrafamilial
abuse. Only six articles published after 2000 were identified. Little evidence for each individual
construct was found, so the effects should not be overestimated. Further research on intrafamilial
child sexual abuse is necessary.
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
research, International Resources, Germany, intrafamilial abuse, incest, family dynamics, systematic review, child sexual abuse
Citation
Pusch, S. A., Ross, T., & Fontao, M. I. (2021). The Environment of Intrafamilial Offenders–A Systematic Review of Dynamics in Incestuous Families. Sexual Offending: Theory, Research, and Prevention, 16, 1-20.