#SiblingsToo - Exploring the impacts of sibling sexual abuse Nancy Morris

In a deeply moving follow-up to Episode 54, Heather shares her experience of confronting sibling sexual abuse within her family. The shocking revelation by Heather's daughter, Brooke, and the subsequent turning point—with her son admitting guilt—paints a raw and honest portrait of a family navigating the darkest of times.
 
In the wake of Brooke's disclosure and the admission of sibling sexual abuse by her brother, Heather and Brooke face the arduous task of giving their impact statements for court, forced to give words and voice to the profound emotional toll the abuse has inflicted. As we listen to their statements and this follow-up discussion, we delve into the critical moments from the day Brooke courageously spoke up, through the family's initial reactions, to the ongoing legal proceedings that ripple through their lives. Heather's unwavering support for her children, her advocacy for appropriate justice and rehabilitation for her son, and the perseverance to heal as a family are all laid bare in this candid discussion.
 
Key Takeaways:
 
*   Brooke's impact statement reveals years of suffering due to sibling sexual abuse, including mental torment and confusion about her sexuality.
*   Heather struggles with dual advocacy, seeking justice for Brooke while ensuring her son receives adequate treatment and rehabilitation.
*   The family undergoes immense emotional turmoil, with both children experiencing psychological breakdowns and hospitalizations after disclosure.
*   Heather's faith plays an integral role, granting her the strength to support her family through their darkest period.
*   The family's experience underscores the necessity for better handling of sibling sexual abuse cases within the legal system and broader societal change.
 
Notable Quotes:
 
*   "My innocence was ripped from me due to his poor self-control and decisions and it wasn't fair." - Brooke
*   "My son destroyed our family bond, broke our family apart and caused what has felt like a death of both of my children." - Heather
*   "Trying to find a way to mostly advocate for the victim, my daughter, what she had been through, her feelings, five years of dealing with the abuse..." - Heather
*   "As much as we were trying to help both of our children, life had just become a disaster." - Heather
*   "I want people to know that certain things you feel have broken you to the core sometimes build you up to become that much stronger." - Heather
 
 
Timestampts
1:24
Brooke's impact statement
 
5:48
A Mother's Plea for Justice and Healing
 
9:52
A Mother's Struggle With Sibling Sexual Abuse
 
13:27
Concerns Over Sex Offender Treatment and Sentencing
 
19:03
A Family's Crisis of Disclosure and Sexual Abuse
 
25:59
The Overwhelming Nature of Navigating the Judicial System
 
27:01
Finding Strength in Faith During Family Crisis
 
30:05
Strength, Self-Care, and Family Resilience
 
35:34
Families Embrace Healing and Advocacy After Trauma
 
 
 
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In this profound episode of the #SiblingsToo podcast, we are introduced to Heather, John, and their daughter Brooke, a family united by the turmoil of sibling sexual abuse and united in their journey toward justice and healing. Heather and John, parents grappling with the revelations of their son's actions toward his sister, embody the resolve to advocate for both their children amid an undeniably complex emotional landscape. Brooke emerges as a beacon of courage and a voice for survivors, sharing her experience with clarity and a hope to inspire change.
 
Episode Summary:
 
The SiblingsToo podcast embarks on an emotionally charged dialogue as we delve into the critical issue of sibling sexual abuse and its ramifications on the family unit. This episode welcomes Heather, John, and Brooke, who bravely share their family's tumultuous journey after Brooke's disclosure of her older brother's sexual abuse towards her. Their story sheds light on the under-recognized epidemic of sibling sexual abuse and the journey towards justice and healing.
Heather reveals the omnipresent danger technology poses in our children's lives, especially with the ease of accessing potentially harmful content like pornography. John shares his paternal struggle, anchored by his commitment to both his children, while Brooke illuminates her personal evolution, from survivor dealing with blame and shame to advocate for awareness and prevention. Together, they explore the complex intersection of familial dynamics, mental health, technology, and societal norms that often converge in cases of sibling sexual abuse.
 
*   The episode opens with Heather expressing concern for the overexposure of today's youth to content beyond their mental processing capacity.
*   The family discusses the influence of pornography on their son's behavior and the importance of open dialogues and preventative measures in family settings.
*   A powerful perspective shift occurs as Brooke underscores the necessity of reclaiming one's power as a survivor, advocating for both victims and abusers in the quest for healing.
 
Key Takeaways:
*   Children are being exposed to more content, such as pornography, than their brains are ready to handle, influencing behavior in harmful ways.
*   The challenge of advocating for both the survivor and the abuser exists within the same family, emphasizing the unique dynamics present in sibling sexual abuse cases.
*   Parents should consider contracts, monitoring, and conversations about internet safety as preventative measures against the dangers of unfettered technological access.
*   Brooke, as a survivor, aims to push for educational change within the school system, advocating for personal space rules and anti-grooming information.
*   There is a possibility for family healing and reunification post-disclosure, with the prerequisite of respecting the survivor's timing and comfort.
 
Notable Quotes:
 
*   "Children are seeing more than their brains are ready to handle." - Heather
*   "You should always hand the shame back to the abuser because if you don't, you're thinking it's your fault." - Brooke
*   "We need open conversations...educate our children more so on dangers of family. A family makes you feel uncomfortable. People need to know not to be scared to come forward." - Heather
*   "It's a sticky situation...it's totally upon Brooke on how she feels." - John
*   "Everything will be fine... eventually you will [find your voice] too." - Brooke
 
Engage with the full episode to join Heather, John, and Brooke on their compelling journey through the complexities of sibling sexual abuse. Their heartfelt narrative and insightful reflections promise to enlighten and encourage listeners navigating similar paths. Stay tuned for more eye-opening content from the #SiblingsToo podcast.
 
 
Timestamps:
 0:00
The Family Confronts Sibling Sexual Abuse and Seeks Healing
 
4:09
The Impact

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the #SiblingsToo podcast, Decca Aitkenhead and host Nancy Morris delve into the underreported and deeply complex issue of sibling sexual abuse (SSA). The conversation provides an insightful exploration into Decca's journey to write a major article for The Sunday Times in the UK, addressing a subject that often goes unnoticed by the public and media alike. With a commitment to shedding light on this taboo topic, Decca and Nancy discuss the obstacles and responsibilities that come with bringing such personal, intimate stories to a wider audience.
 
The episode reveals the troubling silence surrounding SSA in mainstream media and highlights the urgency of informing parents, families and, importantly, society about SSA and how it can impact all of our lives. Decca shares the emotionally charged process of listening to survivors' experiences, the challenges in reporting on a subject with significant legal and social implications, and the overarching goal of sparking a national dialogue that can no longer be ignored. Insightful, raw, and unwaveringly honest, these show notes invite readers to fully grasp the magnitude of the problem and the need for immediate attention and action.
 
About the Guest:
Decca Aitkenhead is an award-winning journalist known for her role as the chief interviewer of The Sunday Times in the UK. With a career spanning three decades, Aitkenhead has become one of the leading names in journalism, interviewing a diverse range of prominent figures from the fields of politics, sport, culture, media, and the arts. Her expertise and dedication to uncovering compelling human stories have positioned her as a respected voice in the British media landscape.
 
Key Takeaways:
The 'ick factor' and legal complexities contribute to the collective media silence on SSA. Parents and families must be aware of the dynamics within their household to prevent and address abuse. Survivors of SSA carry the emotional burden of their experiences, with disclosure often leading to a tumultuous yet liberating journey. The debate on terminology (perpetrator/victim versus child who harmed/child who was harmed) reflects the struggle to adequately frame and respond to SSA within society.  
Notable Quotes from Decca:
"Even more crucially, you could argue you want parents of children in their care today to read this article and think, 'Christ, I mean, there's no reason to think that couldn't happen in our family. I should be paying attention'." "It's the absolute ick factor journalists don't want to cover this story. It's kind of grim. People don't want to think about it." "The product of the school of thought, which feels that we must recognize that they were all children, and to some extent, they're all victims, is that they don't want to use the word perpetrator and victim." "If one parent reads this and pays attention and it means that it doesn't happen to their kids, then maybe that really is the ultimate change in this situation."  
Resources:
The Sunday Times article - www.thetimes.co.uhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/revealed-the-hidden-crime-of-sibling-sexual-abuse-z05cf0l8r More on Decca - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decca_Aitkenhead  
 
Tune in to this significant episode of #SiblingsToo featuring Decca Aitkenhead, for a deep dive into sibling sexual abuse's harsh realities. Do not miss the full discussion for a comprehensive understanding and join us as we continue to bring light to these critical and pressing matters in upcoming content.
 
Chapters: 
0:01:25
Decca's motivation to write about sibling sexual abuse
 
 
0:04:49
Legal implications and challenges of reporting on sibling sexual abuse
 
 
0:07:11
The silence surrounding sibling sexual abuse speaks to societal stigma
 
 
0:11:11
Challenges faced by victims in telling their stories without a criminal conviction
 
 
0:16:27
The awareness and resources on sibling se

In an eye-opening episode of the #SiblingsToo podcast, host Nancy Morris engages in an intense and revealing conversation with two guests: therapist Brad Watts and Adam, someone who has acknowledged causing sexual harm to a sibling. The discussion delves into Adam's personal reflections on his actions, the family dynamics, and the resulting implications within the justice system. The episode presents a juxtaposed narrative of regret and healing, secrecy and disclosure, challenging societal perceptions of sibling sexual abuse.
 
Initially, Adam recounts his childhood experiences, including how early exposure to pornography influenced his behavior. The conversation then progresses into Adam's acknowledgment of the harm caused to his sibling and the subsequent emotional and legal fallout. The episode also highlights the stigma associated with sibling sexual abuse and the varying paths of healing for both the harmed and the one causing harm. Therapist Brad Watts provides a professional lens, contextualizing Adam's experience within broader themes of treatment and recovery from sexual abuse.
 
About the Guests:
Adam admits to perpetrating sexual harm towards his sister. He is navigating both the therapeutic process and the juvenile justice system in the United States. Although specifics about his history and achievements are not disclosed to protect both his and his siblings' anonymity, Adam's participation in the podcast signifies his intention to contribute to the dialogue around sibling sexual abuse and his personal journey towards understanding and rehabilitation. His voice has also been altered.
 
Brad Watts, a long-standing friend of the #SiblingsToo podcast, is a therapist specializing in sibling sexual abuse. He is an author, having penned the book "Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide to Confronting America's Silent Epidemic". He regularly conducts training throughout the United States to educate and inform others on this issue. Brad provides his expertise to the discussion with Adam, offering insights into the therapeutic aspects surrounding such cases.
 
 

Key Takeaways:
•    Adam's early exposure to pornography planted the seeds leading to sibling sexual abuse, a common factor in such cases.
•    Exposure to media portraying the consequences of sexual abuse prompted Adam to cease the abusive behavior and reflect on the gravity of his actions.
•    Adam experienced significant legal repercussions and family upheaval, with a lasting impact on his future opportunities.
•    The podcast emphasizes the complexity of healing for both survivors and perpetrators, as well as the important role of therapy and family support.
•    The episode underscores the importance of open dialogue and the need for society to address sibling sexual abuse with compassion and understanding.
 

Notable Quotes:
•    "This is a secret I was going to keep to my grave, and I feel bad for that. That was really... I can't even describe how I feel about it. Just disgusted." - Adam
•    "And so I think it is important for it to come out so that there can healing begin." - Adam
•    "If you've got this big, huge wound, which is definitely SSA, just putting an ace bandage over it...eventually without disinfecting it... it's not going to be cleaned and healed, it's going to get gangrene, it's going to fester." - Adam
•    "My goal is to live a normal life, buy a house, get married, have some kids." - Adam
•    "Sometimes it's going to hurt a lot before the healing happens." - Adam
 

Resources:
Brad's book – Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide to Confronting America's Silent Epidemic" is available online at your favorite retailer.
 

We hope this episode provides you with insights into the rarely spoken-about issue of sibling sexual abuse and the multifaceted effects it has on the involved individuals and their families. Please join us for the full episode to understand the complete nar

In this remarkable episode, we are joined by the brilliant Teagan McLaren who brings a profound sense of connection through her music. The conversation revolves around the liberation that comes from expressing ourselves and the encouragement Teagan's latest song provides to those who are navigating their own challenging experiences. The exchange highlights the transformative power of sharing our stories and the emotional resonance that music, like Teagan's, can deliver.
 
From the rich conversations that led to the songwriting process to the meaningful interactions with fans, this episode dives into the making of Teagan's song "Breaking the Silence." Highlighting significant discussions around sibling sexual abuse (SSA) and the universal theme of overcoming trauma, the episode carries an inspiring message of hope and empowerment. Teagan's insights bring depth to the understanding of how music can be both a personal cathartic journey and a catalyst for broader societal awareness, encouraging us to voice our stories to enact change.
 
Key Takeaways:
- After meeting Teagan McLaren at a networking event in 2019, Nancy commissioned her to craft an uplifting song that would connect with and inspire listeners, especially those affected by sibling sexual abuse and other traumas. From that meeting came "Breaking the Silence" which captures personal narratives and the struggle to overcome silence.
- Despite not having experienced sibling sexual abuse personally, Teagan drew from her own life traumas and empathic understanding to create a song that resonates.
- The song's universal appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of shared human experiences, encouraging listeners to break their silence and join a collective wave of awareness.
- Teagan hopes the song will empower individuals to speak out, move forward from their past traumas, and realize that they are not alone in their experiences.
 
In this episode:
0:00:00 Teagan wants people to feel connected and empowered by her song.
0:01:12 Nancy shares her first impression of Teagan's music and their initial meeting.
0:03:02 Nancy commissions Teagan to write a song for the #SiblingsToo podcast.
0:04:24 Teagan starts writing the song, focusing on the theme of breaking the silence.
0:09:33 The stop-start process of completing the song was beneficial for Teagan's songwriting.
0:11:47 Teagan's empathetic nature allows her to connect with the emotions of others' stories.
0:13:21 Teagan connects her personal experiences with trauma to Nancy's story
0:14:11 Nancy discusses the importance of breaking the silence and how it can help others
0:16:50 Teagan shares a story of a friend who opened up about their trauma after hearing the song
0:18:11 Nancy talks about the impact of the song and how it resonates with survivors of different traumas
0:20:06 Teagan expresses her struggle with performing the song live and finding the right delivery
0:23:32 Nancy praises the lyrics of the song, particularly verse three, and its message of letting go of self-blame
0:25:26 Teagan discusses the creative choices she made in the song to emphasize certain lyrics
0:26:04 Nancy discusses the commonality of trauma and the impact it has on individuals.
0:28:10 Nancy asks Teagan what she would like to see the song achieve.
0:29:07 Teagan hopes the song will encourage people to speak up about their experiences and seek support.
0:29:59 Nancy and Teagan discuss the importance of connecting with others through music and how it can help people feel less alone.
0:30:58 Teagan explains her approach to songwriting and how she aims to create songs that resonate with a wide audience.
0:32:33 Teagan shares a personal story about a song she wrote that had a different meaning for someone else, highlighting the power of interpretation.
0:35:10 Nancy expresses her appreciation for the song and how it helps her communicate her experiences to others, including her husband.
0:36:32 Teagan sha

Nancy Morris is the host and driving force behind the #SiblingsToo podcast and research project. With a dedicated focus on raising awareness about sibling sexual abuse (SSA), Nancy is not only a survivor but also an advocate and activist in this niche domain. Her work involves engaging with professionals, academics, and the society at large to advocate for factual discussions around SSA, aiming to dispel myths and bring about change in narratives concerning this sensitive topic.
 
Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode, Nancy doesn't hold back on what needs to happen next in the trajectory of sibling sexual abuse awareness and the practical steps forward in prevention efforts. She highlights the importance of societal discourse as a catalyst for change, much like the conversations which shaped public understanding of sexual abuse in other community segments like as the church and sports teams.
Nancy discusses the pitfalls of misinformation and dramatization in media while championing a shift towards more responsible journalism regarding SSA. The episode underlines the vital role of advocacy in maintaining momentum in the conversation around sibling sexual abuse and educates on the important differences between SSA and other forms of sexual abuse, insisting that understanding these can aid in prevention.
 
Key Takeaways:
Sibling relationship significance - The crucial role of fostering healthy, lifelong sibling relationships from an early age as a potential preventative measure against SSA.  
Reducing recidivism misconceptions - Understanding that sibling perpetrators often do not repeat behavior outside the home or later in life can help tailor prevention and intervention strategies.  
Stigma and reporting - Minimizing societal stigma is key to encouraging open discussions and effective reporting of SSA instances.  
Parental influence and strategies - Parents must be equipped with strategies and resources to create safe spaces for difficult conversations and minimize potentially harmful behaviors long before they happen.  
Society and policy influence - Among other things, changing society's perception from a criminal to a health-centric view of SSA can influence political will and lead to more supportive policies.  
Notable Quotes:
"We need the same attention on sibling sexual abuse, and I think we're right there right now." "The sibling relationship is the longest lasting relationship in our life." "The differences between sibling sexual abuse and other forms of child sexual abuse make sibling sexual abuse much more preventable." "Every day that we're not moving this conversation along is another day where children are impacted by SSA."  
Resources:
www.SiblingsToo.com
Join Nancy Morris as she eloquently unfolds the complexities and the urgently needed dialogues on the prevention of sibling sexual abuse in the latest SiblingsToo episode. Stay tuned for more episodes that promise to be just as enlightening, with discussions designed to foster a deeper understanding and provoke actionable change within families and the wider community.
 
 
TIMESTAMPS
0:00:00 - Introduction to the SiblingsToo podcast and research project
0:01:11 - Need for society to have conversations about sibling sexual abuse
0:02:53 - Raising awareness and dispelling myths about SSA
0:04:38 - Importance of preventing SSA and supporting survivors
0:09:23 - Key factors in SSA that make it preventable
0:14:09 - Perpetrators are less likely to repeat the behavior
0:15:11 - Example of a lack of coping strategies
0:15:50 - The impact of SSSA on perpetrators
0:16:44 - Stigmatization of survivors and the need for understanding
0:17:56 - Breaking down barriers to reporting and understanding the perpetrators
0:19:17 - The dual role of parents and the importance of open communication
0:20:29 - Creating a safe space for children to discuss difficult topics
0:21:31 - Prevention through educatin