Incest

Understanding the Unimaginable

Incest is generally defined as any sexual contact or interaction between family members who are not married. The exact legal definition of incest, however, varies from state to state. The broader definition includes family figures, such as step-parents, regardless of the biological relationship. "Sexual contact" includes, but is not limited to, intercourse. There are two types of incest.

Open Incest

"Open" incest is family sexual abuse with blatant sexual contact. This includes any sex act or forced touching of the victim by the perpetrator, as well as any touching of private body parts, sexual kissing and hugging.

Hidden Incest

"Hidden" incest is any inappropriate sexual behavior which could be seen as "accidental," making it easier for the perpetrator to rationalize or cover up his or her behavior. It is also more ambiguous and difficult for the victim to recognize but it is as intrusive as open incest. This includes sexual staring at private body parts, disrespect for privacy needs, inappropriate comments, pornographic photography and more.

Incestuous Families

Incestuous families tend to be isolated from the world around them. There might be strict curtailment of outside activities or in choice of friends. In fact, "outsiders" are often spoken of disparagingly and family members learn not to develop trusting relationships with them. Within the family, however, there are no strict boundaries of privacy and personal feelings. The family allows for little or no individuality, and little value is placed on individual needs or feelings. An incest victim growing up in this atmosphere is not able to acquire the self-esteem necessary to set limits on others' behavior.

Victims of Incest

Because incest is a violation of trust and security children need, victims of both types of incest share a feeling of lack of safety and security, the need for constantly being on guard, and feelings of confusion and fear.

It is important for incest victims to realize that they are not to blame. Children do not have adult responsibility. They have no control over adults in the family.

It is equally important for incest victims of any age to receive competent professional help. Incest victims need to recover self-esteem and the ability to trust that was taken from them. Without help, the problems will compound themselves in adult relationships.

waikiki panorama lefta

Prospective
Customers

If you don’t have an EAP, want to understand how EAP can help your bottom line and provide a positive ROI, or want to know more about us and how we’re different, we can help!

Read more

waikiki panorama left

Current
Employer Groups

If you want to know how to get the most value from your EAP, how to best use our services, or how to refer an employee who could benefit from our services, we can help!

Read more

Supervisors

Supervisors
and Managers

If you want to know how to refer an employee who could benefit from our services, how EAP can support your career, and get tools to make your job easier, we can help! 

Read more

Employees Photo 224x155

Employees

If you want to know what your EAP benefit is, how it can help you, the kinds of services you and your family can get, how to use it, and make sure it’s all free and confidential, we can help!

Read more