An incident in the commune of El Menzah, involving a 60-year-old father who admitted to sexually abusing his daughter over more than two decades, has reignited discussions on incest.
The daughter gave birth to his granddaughters, who may also be his daughters, highlighting one of the most complex issues in clinical psychiatry, where deviant behavior intersects with deep emotional trauma that can destabilize a family.
Hespress AR sources confirmed that genetic tests on the six children revealed that four are biologically the father’s, making him both their father and grandfather.
The case raises critical questions about the psychological factors that might lead a father to commit incest, and the profound emotional and psychological impact on the victim.
It also highlights the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions to help the victim process the trauma and regain emotional and psychological balance.
Psychological dimensions of incest
Nada Al Fadel, a clinical psychologist, explained that “not all perpetrators of incest necessarily have a clinical psychological disorder, but rather a sexual deviation, like pedophilia or fetishistic disorder, where sexual impulses are directed toward children or relatives.”
She added that in other cases, the behavior may reflect a personality disorder, particularly antisocial or narcissistic traits, marked by a lack of empathy and poor desire control. Also, substance abuse, including alcohol or drugs, can also lower moral and social restraints.
“Such behavior involves deep ethical and social dysfunction. Mental illness may be a contributing factor, but it is not the primary justification for committing incest,” the expert stressed.
Regarding the profound impact on the victim, Al Fadel said that incest often leaves long-lasting psychological wounds, including post-traumatic stress symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders.
Trust in oneself and others is often shattered, as the father, the expected protector, becomes the abuser, creating a profound sense of betrayal, she explained.
She noted that victims may experience identity disturbances, especially if they have children by their father, leading to inner conflict over being simultaneously a daughter and a mother. Feelings of guilt and shame are also common, as victims may internalize societal blame or feel complicit.
The expert also explained that “victims can develop mood disorders, including severe depression, chronic anxiety, suicidal tendencies, emotional emptiness, and difficulties in future relationships, like fear of men, avoidance of marriage, or problems in intimate sexual relationships.”
Victim support
Al Fadel emphasized that helping a victim recover requires a multi-dimensional approach.
This includes “trauma-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma (TF-CBT), EMDR to process traumatic memories, supportive therapy to restore a sense of safety and rebuild trust, and medication when needed for severe depression, anxiety, or psychotic symptoms.”
She stressed the importance of social support, keeping the victim away from the abuser, creating a safe environment, and involving child and women protection centers.
Empowerment programs, such as education and work, can help achieve economic independence and break cycles of dependency, while family and community support are also essential to combat isolation and reinforce recovery.
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