Research over the last two decades has shown that experiencing sexual harassment can seriously harm both physical and mental health. People who go through such situations might face various health problems, like nausea, trouble sleeping, low self-esteem, psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders (Barak, 2005).

According the Dr. Rachel Levitch, "Intra-familial child sexual abuse refers to cases of sexual abuse that take place within a family environment. This form of abuse can involve not only blood relatives but also individuals like foster parents or a parent's significant other, who the child may regard as part of their family unit."

The latest series featuring Dr. Levitch, titled "The Sexual Assault of Babygirl: Building From Broken Foundations," explores the profound trauma associated with growing up in an environment marked by sexual violence. According to Pew Research, intra-familial child sexual abuse occurs within a family context and can involve relatives or individuals such as foster parents or a parent's partner, whom the child perceives as family. Dr. Levitch emphasizes the importance of addressing the pain experienced by individuals, highlighting the gravity of this work.

The family home is a common place for this type of abuse, making up nearly half of all reported cases in England and Wales. While most offenders in these situations are male, there are instances of female abusers, and sometimes other children in the family may also be involved. A major issue in understanding how widespread this abuse is comes from the fact that many cases go unreported; for example, a 2019 Crime Survey for England and Wales found that 64% of those who had been raped or sexually abused by a parent, step-parent, or guardian hadn’t shared their experiences at the time. It’s believed that only one in eight victims of intra-familial sexual abuse is recognized by authorities. Therefore, it’s crucial for professionals and caring adults to be aware of the signs of potential abuse and to take the right actions.

The Family Center of the Cognitive Institute of Dallas works on issues related to parental self-esteem and trauma from intra-familial events through various programs, including "The Sexual Assault of Babygirl: Building From Broken Foundations," published by Generation Thirty Publishing.