Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online, 2012, 7(2): 83-97

Sibling sexual abuse is one of the more common forms of child abuse and involves a number of unique complexities. A gap in the literature exists with regards to the appropriate response to an initial disclosure of sibling sexual abuse and the values underlying such a response. This article employs a power and control analysis to consider the definition, prevalence and outcome of such abuse and presents best practice guidelines for health care professionals. The guidelines aim to promote ethical and respectful responses to disclosures of sibling sexual abuse. They reflect an explicit value stance, detailing appropriate responses to disclosure including interagency collaboration, parental notification and consideration of the sp ecial status of the abuser as a young person. (Author's abstract). Record #8470