Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative

Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative 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

ression and abuse in family violence, anti-bullying, and parent education programs, and incorporates voices and perspectives of survivors and lived-experience experts.

Answer: No. Many parents struggle with their children not getting along. It’s not always easy to navigate difficult sibl...
08/24/2026

Answer: No. Many parents struggle with their children not getting along. It’s not always easy to navigate difficult sibling relationships without help. In most cases, if you have a question, many other parents do, too. Explore our free resource guides for parents of children ages 0-7 on siblingsbeyondrivalry.org.

We’re celebrating 200,000 views of our Psychology Today blog, The Science of Siblings! SAARA is grateful to see our work...
08/18/2026

We’re celebrating 200,000 views of our Psychology Today blog, The Science of Siblings! SAARA is grateful to see our work bring awareness to sibling aggression and abuse and the importance of healthy sibling relationships to so many people.

Thank you to everyone who reads, shares, and helps us spread science-based information and resources!

As part of the new website launch, two SAARA resources for parents and caregivers are now available! They explore how to...
08/13/2026

As part of the new website launch, two SAARA resources for parents and caregivers are now available! They explore how to navigate and manage conflict and rivalry between siblings aged 0-7 years. Parents and caregivers can learn concrete strategies to help children build lifelong positive sibling bonds. There are resources for improving difficult sibling relationships and supporting sibling relationships that are already strong! Navigate to siblingsbeyondrivalry.org to download these free guides in English or Spanish.

SAARA’s latest project is officially live! Our new website, Siblings Beyond Rivalry, is dedicated to helping parents of ...
08/05/2026

SAARA’s latest project is officially live! Our new website, Siblings Beyond Rivalry, is dedicated to helping parents of young children (ages 0-7) manage sibling rivalry and conflict. Visitors can download two free resource guides with helpful information and practical tips, all backed by science. The website and resource guides are available in both English and Spanish!

Visit SiblingsBeyondRivalry.org to explore the new resources now available.

Thank you to the Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood for making this project possible!

07/28/2026

If there are concerns that one sibling may have pressured, manipulated, or harmed another, avoid reacting with shame or punishment. Instead, focus on ensuring the child who may have been harmed feels supported, protected, and heard. Ask what they need to feel safe, and continue checking in over time as new feelings, concerns, or questions may emerge.

A calm, supportive response can make a meaningful difference in a child's healing and sense of safety.

Last week, at the Violence Prevention Research Conference in Portsmouth, NH, SAARA brought together researchers and live...
07/22/2026

Last week, at the Violence Prevention Research Conference in Portsmouth, NH, SAARA brought together researchers and lived experience experts for a symposium on sibling aggression and abuse.

SAARA’s Director, Corinna Jenkins Tucker, and Assistant Director, Tanya Rouleau Whitworth, organized three sessions with 10 presentations by leading experts.

SAARA is thankful to everyone who attended and helped foster connections and community in this field. Together, the sessions explored research and approaches related to understanding, preventing, and responding to all forms of sibling aggression and abuse.

Read about the full conference here: https://www.unh.edu/saara/blog/2026/07/sibling-aggression-abuse-symposium-2026-vprc

Children learn from what they see at home. When adult caregivers model unhealthy or violent relationship behaviors, chil...
07/17/2026

Children learn from what they see at home. When adult caregivers model unhealthy or violent relationship behaviors, children may be more likely to carry those patterns into their relationships with siblings. Creating safe, respectful environments can help foster healthier sibling relationships.

Interested in learning more? Read our Psychology Today article: https://conta.cc/4twywUG

When a child has a disability or mental health condition, parents often face the challenge of supporting that child whil...
07/08/2026

When a child has a disability or mental health condition, parents often face the challenge of supporting that child while keeping their sibling relationships safe and healthy. Knowing that the cause of harmful behaviors is a disability or disorder can help parents and siblings understand, but it does not erase the potential for trauma.

Our latest Psychology Today blog shares practical strategies to reduce harmful sibling behaviors, strengthen family relationships, and support each child's well-being.

Read more about this topic here: https://conta.cc/3Ta5z37

The trauma of sibling abuse is often compounded by adults who blame the victims for the abuse or for trying to protect t...
07/01/2026

The trauma of sibling abuse is often compounded by adults who blame the victims for the abuse or for trying to protect themselves.

In Emma's story, she reflects on years of physical and psychological abuse and the healing she's found through therapy and trusted relationships. Her experience is a reminder that every child deserves to be believed, protected, and safe.

Read Emma’s story on our website: https://www.unh.edu/saara/blog/2026/06/emmas-story

SAARA is looking forward to participating in the Violence Prevention Research Conference, taking place July 12–14 at the...
06/26/2026

SAARA is looking forward to participating in the Violence Prevention Research Conference, taking place July 12–14 at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, NH.

On July 14, SAARA's Dr. Corinna Jenkins Tucker and Dr. Tanya Rouleau Whitworth organized three sessions on sibling aggression and abuse, featuring leading experts in the field. Across 10 presentations, experts will share cutting-edge research on sibling aggression and abuse and contribute to important conversations on family violence prevention.

You can learn more and register for the conference at https://www.unh.edu/ccrc/2026-conference

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125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way
Durham, NH
03824

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