Is it in the genes?
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Maybe I'm overthinking this too much but if a person has committed a sex crime is it highly likely their children will do the same thing or is it just down to the individual?
Say for example 20 years down the line my child commits the same crime, should I have turned round and said I should have known that would happen?
Say for example 20 years down the line my child commits the same crime, should I have turned round and said I should have known that would happen?
This is something I think about, obviously their brains are wired differently, but is that genetics? I don't think we'll ever know.
Hi
Whilst I feel that genetic traits are hard to define, I have always been aware of my husband's inclination to risk taking and I believe his offending behaviour reflects this. Also, it is well known that people with, for example, dyslexia have difficulty identifying cause and effect leading them to behaviours with outcomes they had not foreseen or even considered.
Genetics is a double edged sword. Whilst it helps us in many ways to mitigate health issues in the future it can also condemn people to certain life outcomes. Some people believe there is an 'addiction' gene. If this is the case children of alcoholics or drug users are destined to a life full of struggles with drink or drugs. Similarly if our partners are arrested for iioc should we as mothers be concerned about our sons' behaviours in the future? For me this is a step too far but who knows what might be discovered in years to come?
Izzy
Whilst I feel that genetic traits are hard to define, I have always been aware of my husband's inclination to risk taking and I believe his offending behaviour reflects this. Also, it is well known that people with, for example, dyslexia have difficulty identifying cause and effect leading them to behaviours with outcomes they had not foreseen or even considered.
Genetics is a double edged sword. Whilst it helps us in many ways to mitigate health issues in the future it can also condemn people to certain life outcomes. Some people believe there is an 'addiction' gene. If this is the case children of alcoholics or drug users are destined to a life full of struggles with drink or drugs. Similarly if our partners are arrested for iioc should we as mothers be concerned about our sons' behaviours in the future? For me this is a step too far but who knows what might be discovered in years to come?
Izzy
Hi,
I don't think it can be passed through DNA, people viewing images do it in such a secretive way. The kids of offenders first knowledge is likely to be as their family is blown apart upon their parents arrest or being investigated. I imagine that would be a massive deterrent.
I do think actual abusive behaviours can be passed on, but believe that's because those children are groomed as they grow up into thinking it's normal.
I don't think it can be passed through DNA, people viewing images do it in such a secretive way. The kids of offenders first knowledge is likely to be as their family is blown apart upon their parents arrest or being investigated. I imagine that would be a massive deterrent.
I do think actual abusive behaviours can be passed on, but believe that's because those children are groomed as they grow up into thinking it's normal.
I'm hoping that because my kids have seen how this affects us as a family that they will learn from it therefore wouldnt think about doing something like this. The same as if someone had a parent who killed someone would that automatically make the child grow up and also kill someone?? The same as speeding. If my mum did it, does it mean I will do it?
This is why I do think its important that our kids are aware of what has happened so we can all try our best to prevent it happening. Most SS say we shouldnt tell kids all of it but I think they need to be told.
This is why I do think its important that our kids are aware of what has happened so we can all try our best to prevent it happening. Most SS say we shouldnt tell kids all of it but I think they need to be told.
Obviously professionals cant just go around saying because your dad has committed a crime then you might too etc.
I'm just worried that I should be looking at any comparisons later on in my kids lives.
Also I found out that my cousin was abused as a child would that mean she would go on to abuse someone or her abuser's children would do it? Should I be concerned about her abuser's children who are now grown up???
I'm just worried that I should be looking at any comparisons later on in my kids lives.
Also I found out that my cousin was abused as a child would that mean she would go on to abuse someone or her abuser's children would do it? Should I be concerned about her abuser's children who are now grown up???
My hb was brought up in an addictive house hold and both himself and his sisters have had major problems with addiction. One drink and drugs, one drink and porn. So it must have an impact. Xxx
I don't believe it's DNA, I believe it's down to a personal experienced trauma which was never addressed, resolved or discussed. It is not uncommon for family's with addictive personality traits to pass on those behaviours to their own children through modelling their behaviour. As Bessel van der kolk says... "trauma breeds trauma unless resolved". I fully support this and believe this is behind a lot of people with mental health issues. If you don't address your own mental health problems you can unintentionally pass that on to your own children, in addition to this trauma can be experienced in my different shapes and forms depending on the individual. Something as simple as losing a grand parent if not processed correctly can trigger anxiety into adulthood.
I believe any one who gets caught up in this difficult situation will be dealing with various complexities, some of which they may never have addressed before. I really feel carer mental health in this situation is so under looked, this includes the children of the offender. I really hope it changes!
I believe any one who gets caught up in this difficult situation will be dealing with various complexities, some of which they may never have addressed before. I really feel carer mental health in this situation is so under looked, this includes the children of the offender. I really hope it changes!