This review of research is subdivided into a variety of topics so as
to address the most commonly asked questions regarding incest. ¹ It
is designed to answer such questions as: who perpetrates or colludes,
what are the characteristics of victims and families, and what are the
consequences or effects for the victim? Drawing upon research con-
ducted in the fields of sociology, psychology, social work, and jour-
nalism, this chapter emphasizes findings that have been replicated in
several independent studies. Criticisms and limitations of the available
research are noted where appropriate. Research in the general area of
child abuse is included where applicable.

Even though every state now has guidelines regarding incest as
sexual abuse, and though most people in the United States view incest
as victimization when it occurs between a parent and child, there re-
mains a tremendous "gray area" in relation to a social and a legal
definition of incest. While Jean Renvoize ( 1978) is correct in stating

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