Incest
The traditional definition of incest is sexual contact between two people who are related (one of whom is often a child), other than husband and wife. The sexual activity often occurs between immediate family members, where mostly father-daughter incest is reported. Adult incest can occur, though incest is most likely to take place between an older and younger relative. Other incest relationships can occur between siblings as well as between children and their grandparents, uncles, and aunts. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, most cases of rape in the United States reported are within a family.
Even though father-daughter incest is most frequently reported, studies show brother-sister and first-cousin sexual activity occur more often. In most sibling or cousin incest situations, one or both parents seem to be absent emotionally or physically in a sibling's or cousin's life. This causes them to take out emotional rage on a younger child for authoritative power. The displays of these acts are rarely reported. In all cases, abuse can leave the child with mental and physical trauma. The affects of incest tend to be misunderstood by a child because of the lack of knowledge of the situation.
In most situations between father (or stepfather, which is more common) and daughter, the sexual acts do not occur quickly, but develop through a series of steps Touching, tickling, wrestling, and kissing are usually what occur first. After time, touching of genitals, oral or manual stimulation, and intercourse may occur. The child can be confused during this time because her/his father has an authoritative position. Having this status usually allows the perpetrator to refrain from using physical force, relying more on emotional bonds, rewards, or guilt. Once the child realizes the inappropriate situation, he or she usually cannot control the activities. Occasionally, the child will enjoy the praise he or she is receiving and will not try to correct it.
The mother in these situations can sometimes finds out about the sexual activity occurring between her husband and child. When this occurs, she has a choice of reporting it or doing nothing about it. Usually, mothers have a fear of splitting up their family and not sexually pleasuring their husbands. Mothers often do not report father-child incest to the authorities. Additionally, a mother may become envious of her child for taking her sexual role away. When either parent goes to a child for sexual relations, rather than their marital partner, it is sometimes called emotional incest. In all situations of incest, the pain can cause lasting effects.
In most societies, incest is illegal or taboo, however, consensual incest does occur. Most consenting sexual behavior occurs between adults, yet may also occur between children. Depending on the culture, this type of incest can be legal or illegal. Even if it is not physically forceful.
In many countries, incest is illegal and such countries can refuse to accept incestuous marriages. Many reasons for such laws depend on religion. Incest between adults and children is frowned upon worldwide.
References:
Crooks, Robert, and Karla Baur. "Sexual Coercion." Our Sexuality. 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomason Learning, Inc., 2007. 563-64.
"Teen Victim Project." National Center for Victims of Crime. 2007. 2 Oct. 2008 <http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx>.