INCEST: THE SCHOOL'S ROLE

Abstract

Most would agree that sexual abuse/incest is harmful to the family structure as well as individual family members. Numerous people have been traumatized, some irreparably, due to their involvement in an incestuous relationship. The school must become a leader in and advocate for a reduction in the incidence of sexual abuse/incest. The school presently has mechanisms for the detection, intervention and prevention of incestuous behavior. School personnel must assume their legal and, perhaps more importantly, moral responsibility to protect and promote the health and welfare of children. School personnel must be aware of the existence of incest, be cognizant of indicators, be observant for its detection, decide to become involved, report and follow-up on the report and be a support group for community agencies and the family. School personnel can make the difference. As it has been said, "If schools are not or will not be part of the solution, could they be part of the problem?"