NCJ Number
61793
Date Published
1977
Length
17 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER FOR SOCIAL WORKERS PROFILES FAMILIES IN WHICH FATHER-DAUGHTER INCEST OCCURS AND PRESENTS INTERVENTION STRATEGIES.
Abstract
INCEST IS A FAMILY PROBLEM, SERVING A PURPOSE THAT CANNOT BE MET BY TRADITIONAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION. SECRECY PACTS BETWEEN FATHERS, MOTHERS, AND VICTIMIZED DAUGHTERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE CONTINUATION OF INCEST, AS THEY INSULATE FAMILIES FROM CHANGE AND STABILIZED RELATIONSHIPS. THE FATHER IMPOSES SECRECY ON THE CHILD THROUGH THREATS AND PROMISES. THE DAUGHTER ALSO RECEIVES NO SUPPORT FROM THE MOTHER WHO DENIES THE OCCURRENCE OF INCEST TO JUSTIFY NOT INTERVENING FOR HER DAUGHTER. THE SOCIAL WORKER IS ADVISED TO REMOVE THE CHILD FROM THE HOME IF THE MOLESTATION CONTINUES OF IF THE CHILD MIGHT BE PHYSICALLY HARMED. SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD COUNSEL ALL MEMBERS OF THE INCEST TRIANGLE TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNICATION AND ROLE PROBLEMS EXPRESSING THEMSELVES AS INCEST. VERIFICATION OF INCEST MAY BE MADE DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF PRESSURE ON THE CHILD TO REMAIN SILENT AND THE FATHER'S DESIRE TO PROTECT HIMSELF. CAREGIVERS AND COURT OFFICIALS ARE ADVISED TO PROTECT THE CHILD'S FEELINGS WHEN INTERVIEWING HER ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASSURE HER THAT SHE IS NOT TO BLAME FOR THE SEXUAL ACTIVITY OR ITS CONSEQUENCES. ANY INTERVENTION STRTEGY INVOLVING THE INCEST VICTIM SHOULD CONSIDER THE VICTIM'S FEELINGS ABOUT HERSELF, GUILT, AND FAMILY ROLE PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS BEHAVIOR AT DIFFERENT AGES IN REACTION TO INCEST AND JOINT COUNSELING FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS (SINCE MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROLE REVERSAL IS OFTEN SEEN IN FAMILIES IN WHICH INCEST OCCURS). INCESTUOUS FATHERS ARE MORALISTIC AND APPEAR TO BE GOOD CITIZENS; IN REALITY, THEY ARE PASSIVE, INSECURE, AND DEPRESSED. THEY HAVE POOR MARRIAGES, ARE SEXUALLY UNSATISFIED, AND MAY ABUSE ALCOHOL. INTERVENTION GOALS WITH FATHERS ARE TO PERSUADE THEM OF THE HARMFULNESS OF THEIR BEHAVIOR TO THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR DAUGHTERS; A MAN'S ABILITY TO ADMIT THESE THINGS TO HIS FAMILY IS CRUCIAL TO DESTROYING THE INCEST CIRCUMSTANCE. COUNSELORS SHOULD ALSO EXPLORE HIS FEELINGS LEADING UP TO INCEST. DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED ON INCEST-TOLERATING MOTHERS AND THERAPY INVOLVING THE ENTIRE FAMILY. A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED. (PAP)