Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative

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Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative

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Located at the Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire

The Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative (SAARA) is located at the Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire. The SAARA Initiative raises awareness about the prevalence and negative impacts of sibling aggression and abuse, trains clinicians and practitioners to recognize and respond to sibling aggression and abuse, advocates including sibling aggression and abuse in family violence, anti-bullying, and parent education programs, and incorporates voices and perspectives of survivors and lived-experience experts.

10/28/2026

Adolescence is a time for exploring identity, building independence, and figuring out who you are. During this period, older siblings can play an important role by offering advice, encouragement, and direct guidance. They also serve as role models and can support younger siblings when they feel uncomfortable talking to their parents.

Learn how parents can foster the positive influence older siblings can have during adolescence in our latest Psychology Today article.

Read here: https://conta.cc/4eXrDWF

10/21/2026

As October is National Bullying Prevention Month, let’s recognize that siblings often participate in the same harmful behaviors seen in peer victimization. These behaviors range from insults and intimidation to physical assault. While educators and counselors pay close attention to bullying at school, it is important to monitor for signs of sibling aggression as well. Research shows that sibling aggression can lead to peer bullying.

Interested in learning more? Read SAARA Bulletin #9 about sibling aggression and peer bullying on our website: https://www.unh.edu/saara/publication/addressing-sibling-aggression-key-reducing-peer-bullying

10/15/2026

"The problem with abuse is it's very often done quietly and secretively, and is therefore sort of hard to even recognize as the person who's being abused. It's difficult to recognize that, especially as a child, because you don't know any different."

Sibling abuse can appear in many different forms, but every experience can have lasting impacts. Hear Sasha's story of experiencing sibling abuse at a young age and the feelings she continues to carry with her today.

To protect the privacy of those who share their stories with us, Sasha is a pseudonym and this video was narrated by a member of SAARA. The words and story are Sasha's.

10/07/2026

When sibling abuse is dismissed as “sibling rivalry,” children may carry the impact long after the abuse ends.

In Taylor’s story, what began with the destruction of her belongings escalated to repeated physical abuse. For years, she carried the pain, and it wasn’t until later in life that her family believed her.

To read the full story, visit our website: https://www.unh.edu/saara/blog/2026/09/taylors-story

To protect the privacy of those who share their stories with us, Taylor is a pseudonym.

09/30/2026

Healing from sibling abuse can be challenging, but support is available. Beginning October 14, Sandra Falsey and Leslie Abrons will host a virtual support group for people with lived experience of sibling abuse. There will be 8 biweekly meetings. People healing from any form of sibling abuse are welcome. Before joining, there will be a brief conversation to make sure the group is a good fit and to answer any questions. This is a peer support group, not therapy, and is not run by SAARA.

If you are interested, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

09/28/2026

Positive sibling relationships support young people’s development and well-being. On National Family Day, parents and caregivers can encourage positive sibling relationships by creating opportunities for siblings to develop shared interests and spend meaningful time together. Shared family activities can help children bond with their siblings and practice skills like listening, cooperation, and teamwork. Learn more about supporting sibling relationships at unh.edu/saara.

09/22/2026

Have you checked out our new website, SiblingsBeyondRivalry.org, yet? Along with our free resource guides, you can watch videos of real parents talking about their experiences raising siblings.

Hear from Christi, Alex, and Sydney as they share how they handled sibling rivalry, conflict, and aggressive behavior between their children.

Visit the website to watch the videos and find science-based resources for parenting young siblings.

09/17/2026

Adult survivors of sibling abuse may continue to experience the impacts of their experiences long after they occurred. SAARA’s latest bulletin, co-authored with Amy Meyers, PhD, LCSW, explores how sibling abuse can shape anger, conflict, family relationships, boundaries, and healing into adulthood.

Please remember: you matter. Your experiences and needs are valid. Remember that it’s OK to experience complicated emotions toward your sibling and family. Healing looks different for everyone.

Read the full bulletin here: https://www.unh.edu/saara/publication/adult-survivors-sibling-abuse-your-experiences-are-valid

09/09/2026

SAARA’s Director, Corinna Jenkins Tucker, and Assistant Director, Tanya Rouleau Whitworth, co-authored a new Expert Opinion with Daniel Pollack in the New York Law Journal.

The article explores the challenges involved in deciding whether siblings in foster care should be placed together or separately. While keeping siblings together can provide stability, belonging, and support, separation may be necessary when sibling aggression or abuse are present. The authors highlight the importance of considering the quality of sibling relationships when making placement decisions.

Article link: https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2026/08/24/the-limits-of-family-preservation-separated-sibling-placements-in-foster-care/

09/03/2026

Have you had a chance to explore the free resources available on SiblingsBeyondRivalry.org? SAARA is interested in learning how these resources are being used and whether they are helpful to parents and caregivers. Your feedback is valuable and helps us continue improving the resources we provide.

Share your feedback: https://conta.cc/3UkEz1E

Address

125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way
Durham, NH
03824

Telephone

+16038620936

Website

https://linktr.ee/saarainitiative, https://www.unh.edu/saara, https://www.linkedin.com/company/saarainitiative/

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