NCJ Number
101215
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The incidence, course, dynamics, effects, and treatment of father-daughter incest are reviewed.
Abstract
Two surveys of the incidence of incest in the United States and England suggest that approximately 1 in 20 women has a history of being sexually molested by a father or father surrogate during childhood or adolescence. In general, the incestuous father has a relatively normal public appearance. He tends to be dependent and overinvolved with his family. Low self-esteem, a chaotic personal background, and alcohol abuse are often additional factors. The absence, illness, or personal inadequacy of the mother increases the daughter's risk of sexual abuse. The victim is usually the oldest daughter and is typically passive and obedient. The father initiates incest while in a state of dyscontrol induced by depression, external stresses, or alcohol abuse. The child rarely resists the initial attempts by the father to establish sexual contact. The incest may occur only once or may continue for years. Typically it ends when the daughter engineers an escape from the family in midadolescence. Frequent symptoms of incest victims include depression, self-destructive behaviors, masochistic promiscuity, and anxiety and neurotic reactions. Treatment may include individual or group psychotherapy and participation in self-help groups for adult incest survivors. 18 references.