Incest: The Need to Develop a Response to Intrafamily Sexual Abuse

Incest is a complex phenomenon. The author briefly acquaints the reader with research regarding the incestuous family by attempting to describe the dynamics of the relationship and by indentifying some common characteristics of the participants. The author notes the difficulties inherent in this task and encourages further research in this sensitive area. The author then overviews and summarizes the variety of statutes in the United States which are utilized when responding to the incestuous family, as well as noting current reforms in this legislation. The author concluded with a report of innovations in the response to incestuous families and suggests additional reforms