ABSTRACT
It is recognized that specific patterns of maladaptive family relationships are present in incest families. These disturbed family relationships contribute to the occurrence of the sexual abuse. This chapter provides a framework and typology in which to examine and understand these family dynamics. The information is used to explain various case-management and therapeutic decisions that are made with the incest family, including protecting the victim, managing retracted allegations of sexual abuse, dealing with multiproblem families, guiding the family treatment process, and determining the appropriateness of family reunification.
