| Abstract: | Correspondence to Dr Lena Dominelli, Department of Applied Social Studies, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL. Summary Feminist analyses of incest have revealed that this is a highlyprevalent form of sexual abuse which is perpetrated primarilyby male assailants against young girls. Feminists have focusedon incest as the expression of unequal power relations withinthe family, and demonstrated that it is more than the genitalpenetration of a young girl by her father or step-father. Thispaper examines incest from a feminist perspective and highlightsthe significance for the incest victim/survivor of the abuseof power taking place within intimate ‘family’ relationships.This abuse of power cannot be seen as anything other than abetrayal of trust which undermines the young girl's view ofherself as a sexual being and reinforces her feelings of powerlessnessand subordination. These feelings are very difficult to overcomeeven after disclosure, though dealing with them provides a cornerstonefor feminist work with incest victims/survivors. Moreover, workfeminists have already undertaken in this area holds significantlessons for practitioners wishing to improve their practicewith those experiencing incest abuse. |
