Victims of incest often keep it secret. There are many reasons to keep silent about the abuse. A few examples:
Most victims are ashamed and feel guilty. They keep quiet until they realise they did nothing wrong and the feelings they have make no sense.
The perpetrator often uses violence, threats or subtle ways to silence them.
Many victim fear that others won’t believe them if they reveal what has been happening.
Some perpetrators give the victim special attention and love. This preferential treatment makes the feelings of the victim complicated. On the one hand the person wants the abuse to stop and needs help, but at the same time there is the fear to go without that special attention.
Often the victim fears the result disclosure will have on others. What will happen to the offender? How will the family situation change? What consequences might it have for brothers and sisters? Will there be retaliatory actions from the perpetrator? The victim sacrifices his/her own happiness for the stability of the family.