How Child Sexual Abuse Silences Non-Abused Siblings

In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Rosaleen McElvaney, a clinical psychologist and lecturer in psychology at Dublin City University. They delve into the often-overlooked impact of child sexual abuse on non-abused siblings. The discussion covers topics such as the changes in sibling relationships post-disclosure, the psychological and emotional toll on non-abused siblings, and the challenges in providing adequate support. Dr. McElvaney shares insights from her research, which includes both a small qualitative study and a larger survey, emphasizing the need for more attention and resources dedicated to understanding and supporting the entire family affected by abuse. 

 

Time Stamps: 

Time. Topic 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 

00:24 The Importance of Sibling Relationships in Abuse Cases 

02:01 Research Origins and Initial Findings 

11:56 Challenges and Surprises in Research 

16:54 Exploring Closeness and Emotional Support 

26:02 The Power of Belief in Family Relationships 

26:38 Survey Insights on Sibling Belief 

27:23 Ambivalence and Misunderstandings 

29:16 The Complexity of Disclosure 

31:04 Delayed Disclosure and Its Impact 

33:34 The Burden of Keeping Secrets 

34:33 Intra-Familial Abuse and Its Consequences 

39:06 Advice for Professionals 

43:23 Encouragement for Future Research 

Resources

“I Feel Closer to Her Now That I Know What She Went Through”: Findings from a Survey on Siblings’ Relationships Following Childhood Sexual Abuse - Rosaleen McElvaney, Simon Dunne, Laura Cahill, Rachael McDonnell Murray, 2025

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