An exploration of incest in the childhood development of serial rapists

Interview & questionnaire data are drawn on to explore childhood incest experiences in a sample of 41 incarcerated serial rapists from 12 states. Of 31 respondents (Rs) who reported childhood sexual abuse (penetration, exploitation, &/or witnessing), just over 50% were victims of incest. Al incestuous experiences occurred before puberty, & the majority were protracted in nature. When compared to nonincest victims, incest victims were more likely to report parental physical abuse & to describe their childhood family structure at age 16 as reconstituted (stepparent present). In all cases in which the stepfather was implicated in the abuse, the abuse consisted of Rs' witnessing sexual activity that was disturbing. Incest victims were significantly more likely than nonincest victims to reenact sexually abusive behavior within the family. It is concluded that clinical discoveries of sibling sexual activity should be a warning that other incestuous activities may be occurring or have taken place. 32 References. Adapted from the source document.