Introduction:

Incest is any sexual activity between close relatives ranging from fondling to intercourse between family members who are not married (often within the immediate family)  irrespective of the ages of the participants and irrespective of their consent. Generally, it is considered incest if the child has been used in a sexual manner by: fathers, or step-fathers, mothers, or step-mothers, brothers, sisters or cousins as well as members of their extended family such as grandparents, aunts and uncles. Incest is any sexual activity between close relatives (often within the immediate family) irrespective of the ages of the participants and irrespective of their consent, that is illegal, socially taboo or contrary to a religious norm. The type of sexual activity and the nature of the relationship between people that constitutes a breach of law or social taboo vary with culture and jurisdiction. Some societies consider it to include only those who live in the same household, or who belong to the same clan or lineage; other societies consider it to include “blood relatives”; other societies further include those related by adoption or marriage.

The most frequently reported type of incest is father-daughter incest. However,sibling incest occurs as often, or more often, than other types of incest. Incest between adults and prepubescent or adolescent children is considered a form of child sexual abuse that has been shown to be one of the most extreme forms of childhood trauma, a trauma that often does serious and long-term psychological damage, especially in the case of parental incest.

Whatever the reason or the excuse for incest the offenders use, it is wrong! Adults are responsible for protecting, loving and nurturing children, not traumatising and hurting them.

Sexual abuse of any kind is a traumatic experience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life You may feel guilty because you consented to incest or allowed yourself to be molested. Nevertheless, God will forgive you.

To feel truly free, its important that you forgive your abuser. Holding on to the resentment and anger will only hurt you and you will not feel totally cleansed. Once you pray for the person and ask God to forgive him or her, the heavyburden within your heart will be lifted away. Although it is often hard to forgive and forget, you can REMEMBER WITH FORGIVENESS.

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