Sexual Abuse

Incest

by Jonathan Huttner

Incest is a severe form of sexual abuse. The Incest Survivors Resource Network defines sexual abuse as "the erotic use of a child, whether physically or emotionally, even if no bodily contact is ever made." It's important to understand - sexual abuse can occur even without physical contact. This means that sexual abuse includes the forced exposure to intercourse or deviant sexual behaviors. The viewing of sexual paraphernalia and pornography is a form of sexual abuse. The law now defines sexual abuse of a child to include prostitution, incest, obscene sexual performance and sexual conduct. Sexual abuse can even include ritual and cult abuses under the guise of religious activity. Sexual abuse may include the use of drugs or trickery and sometimes, even murder. Any behavior of a sexual nature, deviant, forced or performed without permission is considered sexual abuse under the law.

Incest – A Definition

Incest is traditionally defined as sex between close relatives. It is also the sexual abuse by any person entrusted with the child's care or well-being and includes any individual whose authority is derived through emotional bonding. Unfortunately, incest occurs quite often in alcoholic families where boundaries and judgment are clearly impaired. Incest within these situations is normally not remembered by the abuser due to his or her "altered state," but it is no less devastating to the victim. In some instances where the victim is also under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the incest may not be remembered, although physical signs of it may be present.

The sexual trauma associated with incest may be so severe that it is completely blocked from conscious memory. This protective mechanism may continue for many years until something triggers the memory of incest. Flashbacks of incest and sexual abuse may occur until treatment takes place.

The Effects of Sexual Abuse and Incest

It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from sexual abuse, sexual trauma or incest to turn to drugs or alcohol as a vehicle to deal with their pain and shame. Drug addiction and alcoholism are viewed as a way out. Unfortunately, it usually results in a dual diagnosis to treat drug addiction, alcoholism and post traumatic stress disorder, depression etc. Dual diagnosis is a very complex disorder to treat, but it is treatable and people do recover.

For information on the treatment of addictions caused by incest, sexual abuse or any dual diagnosis call the National Addiction Treatment helpline at 1-800-820-5841 or find more information at www.lakeviewhealth.com.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which has treated over 7,000 people from throughout the United States. Jonathan has been involved in the field of addiction and eating disorder treatment for the last 25 years.