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 agg
06/18/2026
Your monthly donation of $10, $25, or $100+ can help make a positive impact on survivors, parents, families, and professionals by funding awareness campaigns and science-based resources.
SAARA also accepts donations through Donor-Advised Funds (DAF), which is a simple, tax-efficient way to support SAARA’s mission. Visit our website to learn more and take action.
06/03/2026
Although it’s often overlooked, sibling abuse is real. Jasmine recounts multiple memories of physical abuse from her brothers and shares how it impacted her well-being. This latest real story is available on the “Share Your Story” page of our website. As always, please take care of yourself when reading others’ stories of sibling aggression and abuse. There are resources at the end of each story if you need help.
Read Jasmine’s full story here: https://www.unh.edu/saara/blog/2026/05/jasmines-story
To protect the privacy of those who share their stories with us, Jasmine is a pseudonym.
05/28/2026
Survivors deserve to be believed. There are resources available to help. Read Ella’s story on the “Share Your Story” page on our website: https://www.unh.edu/saara/blog/2026/03/ellas-story
05/26/2026
Treatment should be trauma-informed and include all family members. Learn about the training SAARA offers on the “Professionals & Practitioners” page on our website.
https://www.unh.edu/saara/resources/professionals-practitioners
05/21/2026
Just the addition of the word “Sibling” impacts the treatment approach to this type of abuse. Check out the SAARA Bulletin on “Recognizing and Responding to Sibling Sexual Abuse.”
https://www.unh.edu/saara/publication/recognizing-responding-sibling-sexual-abuse
05/19/2026
Teaching children body safety, boundaries, and consent is essential. Read our Psychology Today article, “Preventing Harmful Sexual Behavior Between Siblings.”
Article here: https://conta.cc/48Jlyeh
05/15/2026
Congratulations to our media and communications assistant, Kelly Scalogna, who is graduating with honors from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology. Kelly has been with the SAARA initiative since 2024, is a part of the Social Work Honor Society, and serves as the public relations chair for UNH Habitat for Humanity. Our team wishes you the best of luck and success in your next steps!
05/15/2026
Congratulations to our intern, Abbey Sanders, who is graduating with honors from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and justice studies. Abbey has been with the SAARA Initiative since 2025, is a part of Phi Beta Kappa, and The Criminal Justice Honor Society. Our team wishes you the best of luck and success in your next steps!
05/14/2026
Professionals can help determine the best path forward. Read our Psychology Today article, “How Should Parents Respond to Sibling Sexual Behavior?”
Article Link: https://conta.cc/4wtHMKy
05/12/2026
Minimizing or dismissing the behavior can damage trust and cause more trauma. SAARA offers a tip sheet for parents on “Responding to Sibling Sexual Behavior and Abuse.” Access it here: https://www.unh.edu/saara/publication/responding-sibling-sexual-behavior-abuse