Sibling sexual behaviour is different: towards a conceptual framework of harmful sexual behaviour among siblings

In this “policy and practice” piece, we outline the importance of context in understanding and responding to sexual behaviour between siblings. Specifically, we examine how Hackett’s continuum of sexual behaviour in childhood can be misapplied in cases involving siblings if contextual circumstances are not carefully considered. We believe that without such considerations, the possibility of underestimating the impact of sibling sexual harm exists, with negative implications. We offer a new conceptual framework for sibling sexual behaviour that is responsive to the particular harms associated with sibling sexual abuse. The paper contributes a critique of current practices that fail to differentiate harmful sexual behaviour between siblings (HSB-S) as a distinct form of child sexual abuse; a reconceptualisation of the nature of sibling sexual harm and abuse; and a new framework that balances the needs of a sibling displaying harmful behaviour with those of a harmed sibling.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This article highlights the importance of recognising sibling sexual abuse as distinct from other forms of harmful sexual behaviour. By introducing a framework specific to sibling sexual behaviours, it supports practitioners to assess risk, understand harm, and respond more effectively to the needs of both siblings who display harmful sexual behaviour and those who have been harmed.