The Healing Project: Secrets Matter

Incest is a secret rooted in guilt and shame. It is further complicated by unwanted pregnancies. What happens when the baby lives?

The legality of incestuous relationships vary according to states in the United States of America. According to the 2019 report published by www.worldpopulationreview.com, "in Ohio, incest is legally allowed provided that one party is not a parental figure to the other party. In the states of New Jersey and Rhode Island, incest between criminal adults is legal (marriage is not permitted). In many cases, incest is not revealed to outside parties, so therefore, the parties involved are not prosecuted."

To address the delicate situation of an incestuous rape, the termination of parental rights was thought to be a solution to an unsavory family problem. Adoption is an action that removes the child from an unhealthy or destructive environment. The child's best interests, which includes any time there is danger to a child's physical, mental, moral, or emotional health, is always the first concern of the court.

But, babies become adults. Adults are curious beings and quite naturally seek the answers that bring them an understanding of Self.

Incest Laws in the United States

Incest laws as they exist in the United States of America are shocking at first look. Granted, there are so many circumstances that leave confusion at the midst. But, each situation, when brought to the court, should be dealt with as an individual situation, rather than a broad brush.

Incest Laws By State Population. (2019-11-05). Retrieved 2020-01-04, from http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/incest-laws-by-state/

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

CLICK: online.rainn.org

“My friend, you are not alone. No matter what you've suffered, the abuse was not your fault. You didn't cause someone to hurt you. Not as an innocent child, teenager, nor as an adult. Let that sink in. It's not your fault.”

~ Dana Arcuri, Soul Cry: Releasing & Healing the Wounds of Trauma