Intrafamilial child sexual abuse is estimated to account for between 1/3 and 2/3rds of cases of child sexual abuse. Within families, fathers, stepfathers and siblings often feature as perpetrators of sexual harm and abuse typically occurs over more extended periods than other forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation. It is also a form of harm that is often missed by statutory services and is typically poorly understood by professionals.

This webinar provides an up-to-date review of relevant research and evidence from experts in the field, including a discussion of the key messages for practitioners from last years Safeguarding Panel Review on intrafamilial child sexual abuse.

Peter will provide an overview of some of the main findings and key recommendations for practice from a comprehensive review of forty years of research on sibling sexual abuse. He will highlight particular surprises that challenge existing practice guidance and some widely held assumptions around this phenomenon. This review was published in Child Abuse and Neglect in 2025.

Prof Kewley examines perpetrators of child sexual abuse within the family, drawing on a national review of safeguarding practice and preliminary survey findings from a Canadian collaboration. By exploring offender perspectives and emerging risks, we consider what this evidence means for prevention, intervention, and safeguarding practice.

Frederica will share key messages from research into intrafamilial child sexual abuse perpetrated by adults, based on a recent research program focussing on familial dysfunction. She will highlight the complexities of familial dysfunction and abuse within families in which intrafamilial child sexual abuse has taken place, and the intertwining of dysfunction in relationships to both adult partners and children.