1. Researchers deterred from investigating the subject of incest as they find the area repugnant and the victims are provoked with uneasiness, fear, guilt, and anger.

2. Secrecy compounds the consequences of incest in the survivor.

3. When research efforts are made, many respondents are reluctant to acknowledge a history of incest.

4. Maintaining the secrecy, the adult incest survivors may seek professional help without mentioning the childhood sexual abuse, particularly if no inquiry is made

5. Many therapists are uncomfortable with incest disclosures and therefore may unintentionally reinforce the “no talk” rule.