[Spotting the unthinkable. Tips for detecting incest]

Abstract

Identifying the signs that an infant, child or adolescent is a victim of incest is a complex process. Contradictory psychic mechanisms can interfere with the professional's position: how to think about the unspeakable and the unthinkable in a confused and confusing context? Faced with this sensitive issue, it's important to offer some food for thought on how to tackle it. Children speak to us, with words but above all with their bodies. It's up to us to listen carefully.

Keywords: detection; incest; incestuel; prevention; professional; professionnel; protection; prévention; reporting; repérage; sexual violence within the family; signalement; violence sexuelle intrafamiliale.