Sibling Sexual Abuse and Preschool-Age Children

In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar interviews Dr. Jane Silovsky, Director of the Center of Child Abuse and Neglect at the University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center. They discuss the often-overlooked issue of sibling sexual abuse and preschool-aged children, examining risk factors, prevalence, and the challenges in addressing this sensitive topic. Key points include the difference in behaviors between preschoolers and older children, the role of maltreatment, and the impact of exposure to sexual content online. Dr. Silovsky emphasizes hope through effective treatment and offers practical advice for child abuse professionals on handling these cases with empathy and understanding.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 

01:29 Welcoming Dr. Jane Silovsky 

01:59 Research on Preschoolers with Problematic Sexual Behavior 

04:00 Defining Problematic Sexual Behavior in Young Children 

05:50 Understanding Sibling Sexual Abuse 

09:30 Impact of Family Dynamics and Exposure 

11:54 Influence of Online Content and Technology 

14:16 Details of the Study and Key Findings 

21:31 Implications for Child Abuse Professionals 

28:14 Prevention and Policy Recommendations 

35:31 Concluding Thoughts and Acknowledgements 

 Links

Jane Silovsky, Ph.D., is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She serves as the CMRI/Jean Gumerson Endowed Chair, director of the Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, and director of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth.

Nicole Barton, Cierra Henson, Kimberly Lopez, Emma Lambert, Jordan Simmons, Erin Taylor, Jane Silovsky,
Characteristics of preschool-age children who engage in problematic sexual behaviors with siblings,
Child Abuse & Neglect, 2024

“Sexual Behavior in Youth: What’s Normal? What’s Not? And What Can We Do About It?” (Season 3, Episode 15, November 5, 2021)

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