Domestic Violence Between Sisters: A Hidden Form of Intra-Family Abuse

Sibling Abuse: The Silent Normalization Within Families

Violence among siblings is usually brushed off as normal rivalry, especially if among sisters. This neglect hides serious psychological, emotional, and physical damage. This article examines a case in which an older sister systematically abuses her younger sister—physically and mentally—under the watch of a silent, facilitating father. Normalization of such within the family presents serious questions about intra-familial abuse, gender roles, and the long-term psychiatric effects on the victim.
Introduction

Domestic violence has long been theorized in the context of spouse abuse or child-parent abuse, placing power imbalances and family hierarchies into focus. This narrow definition leaves out an entire spectrum of intra-familial violence—most notably, sibling abuse. Fights between siblings, particularly sisters, are dismissed as a natural part of becoming an adult. But beneath this normalized narrative can lie what appears to be patterns of frequent emotional, psychological, and physical abuse that are similar to other forms of domestic violence.

This essay seeks to challenge a specific and disturbing case: a younger sister being repeatedly physically and mentally abused by her older sister. The abuse is not merely all-pervasive but is also perpetrated in the presence of their father, who is ominously passive and indifferent. The silence and lack of response of the father serve as a silent approval, continuing to normalize the behavior of the older sister and further silence the victim.

In this regard, the research examines further the intricate dynamics of sibling abuse, the roles of silent enablers in the family, and the essential need for recognition, intervention, and support policies toward survivors of intra-sibling violence.

Background and Significance

The house is generally regarded as a safe area, but it may also be the place of severe psychological harm. It was discovered that violence among siblings may be more common than parental abuse, but it is normally legitimized or covered up (Caspi, 2012). Older siblings are given unlimited authority in most houses, especially in patriarchal or authoritarian family structures.

Case Overview

In this research, we work with a natural case where a young girl is physically and mentally abused by her older sister. The abuse involves physical violence (slapping, pushing, being locked in rooms), verbal humiliation, and psychological manipulation. The most disconcerting aspect is that the father is usually around but takes no action, thereby providing a culture within which violence is acceptable, even tacitly supported.

Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of sibling abuse are usually severe but neglected, particularly when the abuse is normalized at home. Here, the younger sister shows evident signs of trauma that directly result from extended emotional and physical abuse:

1. Depression and Withdrawal

   The persistent exposure to hostility and aggression has caused the younger sister to withdraw emotionally. She keeps herself detached from others, does not like to be around other people, and lacks interest in things going on around her—typical indicators of depressive behavior. This withdrawal is not only a coping strategy, but also a manifestation of her inner perception of defeat and emotional drain.

2. Fear and Anxiety of Speaking Out

   Having lived in a home where her suffering is downplayed or dismissed, particularly by a father who does not speak out, has taught her to quiet herself. She dreads judgment, rejection, or even revenge should she talk about what happened to her. This chronic fear breeds overwhelming anxiety, particularly in the presence of authority or when talking about the family.

3. Low Self-Esteem and Hopelessness

   Ongoing criticism, belittling, or physical aggression by a sibling—who is supposed to be a source of support—can significantly destroy a child’s sense of self-worth. The little sister internalizes the abuse, thinking that she doesn’t deserve love or respect. This results in a deep-seated hopelessness, where she sees no way out or betterment of her situation, eventually affecting her mental health and future relationships.

These psychological, rather than physical, effects are not fleeting, and, left unaddressed, will likely form the younger sister’s identity, coping strategies, and mental wellness up to adulthood. Early identification and therapeutic intervention are essential to intervening in this process of quiet suffering and promoting emotional healing.

On Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, when initial caregivers or protectors do not react to distress, the child is likely to have long-term attachment problems and trust difficulties (Bowlby, 1988).

The Role of the Family

In either situation, the father’s inaction to answer verbally or physically communicates a strong message that abuse is acceptable. Passive reinforcement can lead to:

• A silent culture, in which victims keep quiet.
• Normalization of abuse, wherein suffering becomes internalized as a normal experience in life.
• Perpetuation of violence, since the abuser gets away with it.

Cultural and Social Normalization

In most conservative or traditional families, especially in South Asian communities, elder siblings are treated with respect regardless of their behavior. Respect can enable abuse if the victim is younger and a female. Emotional suffering is downplayed as “overreaction” or “sensitivity,” while physical violence is rationalized as discipline or sibling rivalry.

Conclusion

Sibling abuse, particularly among sisters, needs more academic and social discussion. In the very violent households where abuse is the norm, victims may quietly bear years of emotional abuse. Awareness begins with intervention: that domestic abuse is not solely with spouses or parents but may even go as far as siblings. Families must be taught to recognize signs of abuse, and intervention mechanisms—therapy, counseling, protection from the law—made accessible to victims regardless of the abuser’s status.
Recommendations

• Launch public awareness campaigns for sibling abuse.
• Facilitate mental health screening for children growing up in homes beset by conflict.
• Train school counselors to recognize symptoms of abuse among students.
• Recommend family therapy as an intervention that is not punitive.

References

• Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
• Caspi, A. (2012). “Sibling Aggression and Mental Health”. Journal of Family Psychology.
• Wiehe, V. R. (1997). Sibling Abuse: Hidden Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Trauma. Sage Publications.