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Almost every major study on incest characterises it as a symptom of a dysfunctional family system.
Alcoholism in the family - Usually in the father. There is a very high rate of alcoholism or alcohol abuse of the perpetrators (usually father or step-fathers). Rates range from 20% to 75% in the literature. Of 170 perpetrators surveyed, 38% were diagnosed as alcoholics and 45% used alcohol just prior to the sexual violation. Less alcoholism in mothers.
Mothers disabilities - Many have disabling illness, frequent hospitalizations or incapacitation at home. High rate of physical, mental, or emotional disability among incest mothers. Some research suggests that the mothers serious illness, hospitalizations, chronic depression, & psychosis may be a contributing factor to the occurrence of incest.
Wife-mother role of victim - Incest victim assumes this role. This may be due to mom’s ability to perform her roles as a mother or homemaker. Victim functions as the mother, assumes housekeeping and child-care responsibilities at early age.
Victim often described as mature beyond her years. Being deprived of mothers nurturance, she may not oppose her fathers advances because she may be a docile, obedient girl - drawn to the only display of love she can get.