Farsi (فارسی)
Kurdish (کوردی)
According to structuralist theories in sociology, the family social system has an internal order, which is based on the sexual law of “no sexual relations with relatives”. However, during the process of evolution and transformation, this cultural order turns against itself and, in some cases, leads to the suppression of personal identity, expulsion and isolation, sexual abuse, honor killings, and so on. Despite being considered as a main social institution, the family in its various forms is not immune to unpleasant events, especially violence against children in various forms. Intrafamily sexual abuse, abuse of power and dominance, and exerting violence on those who lack the power to enforce their sexual demands in the form of physical and psychological violation of the individual’s integrity are among them. Depending on the prevailing culture and beliefs of each society, the physical, psychological consequences, and deep traumas of this act will vary based on the type of imposed sexual activity, the nature of family relationships and kinship, as well as the age and gender of the parties involved.
Incest Taboo in Iran
In Iran, due to reasons such as the taboo of sexual violence, especially in the family environment, social stigma, fear of severe punishment, and lack of registration and reporting of sexual violence against children, there are no accurate statistics or valid evidence about this phenomenon, especially in the family environment. Forcing children into silence and expelling them prevents the formation of voluntary supportive and therapeutic actions and causes the failure of government and non-governmental child rehabilitation services for the affected individuals. However, the government of Iran, due to its ideological considerations, is not in favor of sexual education in schools and other educational systems. This is contrary to the policies adopted in many countries and recognized by international documents. Sexual education, while promoting children’s awareness of sexual matters, teaches them methods and techniques for self-care. Due to the lack of systematic access to this education for children in Iran and the consequent lack of skills and awareness (especially for children in remote areas and poor children), they are more likely to be subjected to abuse and violence.
Backgrounds, Causes and Factors
The backgrounds, causes, and factors involved in child sexual abuse operate within a complex network of economic, social, and legal cycles. The intervention grounds create the factors of this phenomenon and prepare the ground for the occurrence of child sexual abuse. After the formation of the problem, the mechanism of continuity, intensification, and reproduction of this phenomenon and its consequences become evident. Deprivation creates the basis for violence, and violence becomes the cause of child sexual abuse. Following sexual abuse and based on cultural and social constructs, mechanisms such as fear, expulsion, and victim criminalization deny the abuse, leading to the denial of the social, economic, psychological, and legal support for the affected individuals. This denial results in the intensification and reproduction of the cycle of child sexual abuse. This dialectical relationship between the social institutions existing at the macro, meso, and micro levels of society, influenced by each other, brings different crises to circulation and transfers them to each other.Factors such as inequality and compounded poverty, social instability, cultural beliefs, and the existence of an ideological and inefficient government have led to significant social changes over the past few decades. The logical process of the main findings of this study reveals the taboo and the secrecy of the issue, indicating that the most important causes of child sexual abuse are poverty and deprivation, disorganized families, institutional inefficiencies in providing sexual education and support, lack of clear and transparent laws, and the conflict and contradiction of existing laws.
Consequences
Some of the negative consequences of committing some forms of sexual deviant behaviors are so extensive that they affect not only the perpetrator and the victim but also others associated with them and even the general morality of the society. Given the prevalent culture and beliefs in Iranian society, the consequences of sexual violence against children by family members can be classified into structural consequences, such as the weakening of social capital, intermediate consequences, such as family crisis and education, and individual consequences, such as psychological disorders. Some of the most notable consequences identified in this study include the weakening of social relationships and trust, reduction of social capital, disruption of family roles and functions, early marriage or lack of marriage, marital tension and divorce, gender discrimination, conflict with society and peers, and the breakdown of social ties. Other consequences include psychological and personality disorders, homosexuality, the development of incompatible plans, functional disorders, physical injuries, suicide and self-harm, premature puberty, risky sexual behaviors, addiction to sexual relationships, inappropriate body image, feelings of fear, anger, and self-blame, resentment, insecurity, feelings of violation, entitlement, shame, disgust, terror, revenge, embarrassment, discomfort, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism, victimization, emotional dependence, depression, feelings of failure, worthlessness, sympathy, jealousy, and some other feelings such as feelings of pleasure from being touched, feelings of being a sexual service provider, feelings of homosexuality, and feelings of being different from others. Generally, the feelings that sexually abused individuals express are situational and vary based on the analysis of the situation, and in some canonical situations, they can express their feelings in a combination or even contradiction with the situation.
Some Research Findings
– Due to the taboo of sexual violence, especially within the family environment, social stigma, fear of severe punishment, and lack of registration and reporting of sexual violence against children, there are no accurate statistics or valid evidence about this phenomenon in Iran, especially in the family environment.
– The Iranian government, due to its ideological considerations, is not in favor of sexual education in schools and other educational systems.– Due to the lack of systematic access to sexual education for children in Iran and the consequent lack of skills and awareness (especially for children in remote areas and poor children), they are more likely to be subjected to abuse and violence.– Following sexual abuse and based on cultural and social constructs, mechanisms such as fear, expulsion, and victim criminalization deny the abuse, leading to the denial of the social, economic, psychological, and legal support for the affected individuals. This denial results in the intensification and reproduction of the cycle of child sexual abuse.Distribution of respondents according to number and proportion of harassers in per centPsychological and behavioural changes after experiencing sexual abuse, in per cent
Some Solutions
What has a practical necessity in this regard is to create an environment of education, awareness, and enlightenment among children who are potentially susceptible to abuse in the family and society. This education is a kind of vaccination for the child’s and society’s present and future. Since access to potential abusers is difficult and almost impossible, comprehensive education of society and the child is considered the cheapest and most effective mechanism in the short term.
- The interview data underscores significant legal concerns, including inadequate support for victims of abuse, child marriage as a form of sexual violence, and a patriarchal approach in the law. These issues require legal reforms to be addressed.
- Implementation of welfare-educational policies aimed at addressing the multidimensional deprivations of Iranian families through collaborative efforts between the government, non-governmental organizations, and support agencies;
- Collaborative actions aimed at narrowing the disparity between Islamic and jurisprudential laws and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by exerting pressure on legislators and executives through civil society.
- Creating effective organic coordination between the school, law, medicine, and social work institutions and the development of educational programs.
- Rising the awareness of children and parents in the field of children’s rights and continuous enlightenment through social media and information centers.
- Rising awareness about the inefficiency and harmfulness of concealing sexual abuse and the legitimacy of removing shame, modesty, and honor.
- Advocating for increased information dissemination on children’s rights and the prevention of violence and privacy violations in homes, schools, and society through the promotion of open access to information.
Articles
FAQ About Incest
- What behaviors are considered sexual violence against children? Sexual violence against children encompasses a wide range of acts such as physical contact like sexual penetration (rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts like masturbation, kissing, touching, and fondling a child’s body. It also includes non-contact activities like involving children in the production or viewing of sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors, and grooming children for abuse.
- Do perpetrators of incest have specific behavioral characteristics? Some personal characteristics of perpetrators of incest and victims can accelerate violence. In terms of the characteristics of perpetrators, it includes factors such as low tolerance for failure, difficulty in controlling anger, lack of empathy towards family members, verbal and physical aggression, substance abuse, anxiety during sexual intercourse with adults, pedophilia or attraction to children, history of childhood sexual abuse, extreme suspicion of family members, anti-social, bordering and paranoid tendencies, sexual impulsivity, loneliness, and stereotyping of gender roles, low self-esteem, emotional convergence, inhibition and prevention, self-regulatory problems, impulsivity, and psychological health problems. Some social and personal characteristics of victims, such as being immigrants, being at certain ages (childhood and adolescence), women who have experienced unwanted pregnancy, individuals with mental disabilities, children with learning disabilities, illiterate women and those with low awareness, are more likely to experience sexual violence. This group of people is more likely to be expelled first and less capable of defending themselves, making them more likely to experience sexual violence.
- Do victims of sexual abuse by family members have any specific characteristics? Victims of sexual abuse by family members may have specific characteristics such as guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, self-blame, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. They may also have difficulty in trusting others, maintaining relationships, or having a positive body image. It is important to note that every victim is unique and may experience different symptoms or behaviors as a result of the abuse they have suffered.
- What are the long-term effects of sexual abuse on children? The long-term effects of sexual abuse on children can be severe and long-lasting. Victims may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. They may also have difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, trust issues, and a negative self-image. Additionally, sexual abuse can affect their educational and professional lives, resulting in poor academic performance, difficulty holding a job, and financial instability.
- How can society prevent sexual abuse against children? Preventing sexual abuse against children requires a multi-faceted approach. Society can take steps such as educating children on body safety and consent, promoting healthy relationships and communication, and providing support and resources for victims. Adults can be trained to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and how to report it. Communities can work to create safe environments for children by implementing policies and practices that prioritize child protection. Additionally, laws and policies can be put in place to punish perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions.
