Incest and the Need for Definitional Clarity

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Incest is a key component of sexual offending that is both underreported and under researched.‬ The minimal research that does exist suggests that the rules, practices, and definition of incest‬ varies across cultures, societies, and legal jurisdictions. One of the most significant challenges‬ related to charging practices and incest entails definitional problems. Key contributors to this‬ problem include lack of a clear, comprehensive, and consistent definition. This lack of clarity and‬ consistency causes confusion, uncertainty, and differing interpretations about what constitutes‬ incest, and frequently hinders victims from coming forward and reporting their victimization.‬ Additional challenges related to definitional problems of incest include secrecy and lack of knowledge. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to address and prevent incest, and‬ additionally allows room for offenders to rationalize their behavior. This presentation will‬ examine some of the key definitional problems of incest, suggest how this is detrimental to‬ reporting, and advocate for education for both the criminal justice system and the community.‬‭ More‬ importantly it will advocate for education for children and young people to prevent against future‬ harm.‬‬‬

Author

• Jen Francis, Ontario Tech University