Mar 14, 2024
In an eye-opening episode of the #SiblingsToo podcast, host
Nancy Morris engages in an intense and revealing conversation with
two guests: therapist Brad Watts and Adam, someone who has
acknowledged causing sexual harm to a sibling. The discussion
delves into Adam's personal reflections on his actions, the family
dynamics, and the resulting implications within the justice system.
The episode presents a juxtaposed narrative of regret and healing,
secrecy and disclosure, challenging societal perceptions of sibling
sexual abuse.
Initially, Adam recounts his childhood experiences, including how
early exposure to pornography influenced his behavior. The
conversation then progresses into Adam's acknowledgment of the harm
caused to his sibling and the subsequent emotional and legal
fallout. The episode also highlights the stigma associated with
sibling sexual abuse and the varying paths of healing for both the
harmed and the one causing harm. Therapist Brad Watts provides a
professional lens, contextualizing Adam's experience within broader
themes of treatment and recovery from sexual abuse.
About the Guests:
Adam admits to perpetrating sexual harm towards his sister. He is
navigating both the therapeutic process and the juvenile justice
system in the United States. Although specifics about his history
and achievements are not disclosed to protect both his and his
siblings' anonymity, Adam's participation in the podcast signifies
his intention to contribute to the dialogue around sibling sexual
abuse and his personal journey towards understanding and
rehabilitation. His voice has also been altered.
Brad Watts, a long-standing friend of the #SiblingsToo podcast, is
a therapist specializing in sibling sexual abuse. He is an author,
having penned the book "Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide to
Confronting America's Silent Epidemic". He regularly conducts
training throughout the United States to educate and inform others
on this issue. Brad provides his expertise to the discussion with
Adam, offering insights into the therapeutic aspects surrounding
such cases.
Key Takeaways:
• Adam's early exposure to pornography planted the
seeds leading to sibling sexual abuse, a common factor in such
cases.
• Exposure to media portraying the consequences of
sexual abuse prompted Adam to cease the abusive behavior and
reflect on the gravity of his actions.
• Adam experienced significant legal repercussions and
family upheaval, with a lasting impact on his future
opportunities.
• The podcast emphasizes the complexity of healing for
both survivors and perpetrators, as well as the important role of
therapy and family support.
• The episode underscores the importance of open
dialogue and the need for society to address sibling sexual abuse
with compassion and understanding.
Notable Quotes:
• "This is a secret I was going to keep to my grave,
and I feel bad for that. That was really... I can't even describe
how I feel about it. Just disgusted." - Adam
• "And so I think it is important for it to come out
so that there can healing begin." - Adam
• "If you've got this big, huge wound, which is
definitely SSA, just putting an ace bandage over it...eventually
without disinfecting it... it's not going to be cleaned and healed,
it's going to get gangrene, it's going to fester." - Adam
• "My goal is to live a normal life, buy a house, get
married, have some kids." - Adam
• "Sometimes it's going to hurt a lot before the
healing happens." - Adam
Resources:
Brad's book – Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide to Confronting
America's Silent Epidemic" is available online at your favorite
retailer.
We hope this episode provides you with insights into the rarely
spoken-about issue of sibling sexual abuse and the multifaceted
effects it has on the involved individuals and their families.
Please join us for the full episode to understand the complete
narrative and stay tuned for more enlightening content from
#SiblingsToo podcast.
Chapters:
04:09
Description of Adam's family life and homeschooling
10:37
Adam's addiction to pornography and constant search for access
15:56
Normal roughhousing turning into manipulation
26:48
Adam's conversation with his father and disclosure to the
authorities
36:18
The non-linear process of healing for survivors
42:01
Nancy asks Adam about his response to people who think he should
pay the price for his actions
47:27
Brad shares his thoughts on supporting both survivors and those who
commit sexual harm
54:16
Adam discusses the importance of sharing his story and letting
others know they are not alone