Ep.49 - The Impacts of SSA on non-abused, non-abusive siblings with Anais Van Vliet

#SiblingsToo - Exploring the impacts of sibling sexual abuse

In this revealing episode of SiblingsToo, Nancy Morris shines a light on the impacts of sibling sexual abuse on others in the family. Joined by Anais Van Vliet, a driven PhD candidate, they dissect the complexities surrounding non-abused, non-abuser siblings in environments marred by such trauma. Anais, blending her personal history and academic prowess, explores how these siblings navigate the tumultuous aftermath of abuse.

Anais reveals that siblings, while not direct victims or perpetrators, also endure profound psychological impacts from the abuse occurring within their family unit. With meticulous research on behalf of these often silent witnesses, Anais strives to advocate for more inclusive services that address their unique healing journeys. Their work emphasizes the critical nature of the sibling bond throughout life and its potential role in fostering early disclosure, supporting survivors, and facilitating healing.

Join us for the entirety of this powerful episode to uncover more about the unseen struggles and necessities of non-abused, non-abuser siblings in the wake of sexual abuse within families. Stay tuned to #SiblingsToo for more compelling discussions that bring to light crucial aspects of sibling sexual abuse and its impact on family dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Sibling sexual abuse has far-reaching impacts, not only on the direct victims and perpetrators but also on other siblings within the family unit.
• Non-abused, non-abuser siblings may experience similar psychological outcomes to direct survivors, including guilt, shame, and trauma responses.
• These siblings exhibit unique support needs that are currently underserved by existing family-focused interventions in the wake of sexual abuse.
• The sibling relationship can play a protective role in the context of abuse, as siblings may contribute to early disclosure, interruption of abuse, or ongoing emotional support.
• There is a pressing need for research and advocacy to address the gaps in services for non-abused, non-abuser siblings and to ensure they are seen and heard within therapeutic environments.

About Anais:

Anais Van Vliet is a dedicated PhD candidate at McGill University with a focus on social work. They have a substantial background in clinical support, providing assistance for various life challenges. Anais underscores their professional expertise with personal motivation, being a sibling of intrafamilial child sexual abuse survivors. Their research delves into the experiences of non-abused, non-abuser siblings within these households. Complementing their personal insight, Anais' professional journey includes advocacy for often overlooked communities impacted by sexual violence, policy-oriented research, and the provision of clinical support and services.

Professional bio and contact info

Anaïs Van Vliet is a PhD candidate in Social Work at McGill university. Their doctoral research focuses on siblings of child sexual abuse survivors; their experiences and support needs surrounding sexual abuse in their family. This research is funded by the SSHRC Doctoral scholarship. More broadly, Van Vliet's academic research and social work practice centers on the voices of often forgotten victims of sexual and gender-based violence. They are currently looking for research and advocacy collaborations and can be reached at [e-mail].

References:

Link to Carmit Katz's bio

Prof. Carmit Katz | The Bob Shapell School of Social Work (tau.ac.il) (https://en-socialwork.tau.ac.il/profile/carmitkatz)

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