sibling bullying-abuse CAUSES SEVERE TRAUMa
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The repetitive trauma of sibling bullying causes profound stress on the targeted child, resulting in complex-PTSD.
Its cumulative effects can exceed the impact of a serious violent assault.
Research studies reveal the same structural brain impacts occur in sibling abuse victims and traumatized military soldiers.
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Studies link sibling bullying-abuse to poor mental and physical health, including shorter lifespan.
Survivors are more susceptible to common fatal diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
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The bullied sibling will likely face a lifetime of troubled relationships with parents, peers, and partners.
Marriage strife is often a precursor to sibling aggression.
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Survivors are more likely to be bullied by peers, coworkers, and supervisors. Frequent job changes and career roadblocks are common.
be brave… BE CONSISTENT
Watch for patterns where one sibling, often older or more dominant, consistently targets a younger, smaller, or less popular sibling.
Watch for a vulnerable sibling going out of their way to avoid a sibling, or be overly compliant when interacting with a sibling.Never downplay these signs as “normal phases” of childhood.
Sibling abuse often starts early. It easily becomes normalized in the mind of the victim—and the household.
Address maltreatment of a younger or more vulnerable child immediately. Click here to learn where to start…
Don’t wait for the outward symptoms. If you notice unexplained injuries, fear or avoidance of siblings, withdrawal, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression… your child may already be a victim.
“One day Cain suggested to his brother,
‘Let’s go out into the fields.’”