Incest : the Epidemic of Silence The literature which looks at proven incest and sexual abuse of children has long emphasized the important role of silence in these types of repeated aggressions. In this article, silence remains a key theme, but also looks at the dynamics which keep the actors in this complex social world silent. I explore this topic from three angles. First, I will look at the vantage point of sexually abused children who have grown up. After revealing their history of abuse, « talking » about incest and « keeping silent » about it remains a major and painful topic for them. Second, I will explore what anthropologists, specialists on the incest taboo and the social production of rules and norms, have to say about the topic. Finally, I shall look at the cultural understanding of incest by the wider society, at a time when incest is often covered by the media.