Hi TS,
If this was the case of bystander knowing an aunt is committing
adultery, a granduncle usurping family business, by all means take
regard for harmony and let it ride for sake of relative
issues.
But in the case of sexual abuse against any child, there is no need
for moral debate you report the case no matter what. Would you be
just as baffled if it werent your niece against her cousin?
Suppose you witness an old friend in the room with a 6yo boy
repeatedly and he's obviously sexually involved with the child,
what would you have done? Taken a long drive feeling vexed, then
come home to AA for opinions? Given your familys scenario, it
sounds like something someone like you wouldve done anyway. How
old are you TS, 12 like her cousin? There is no grey area in this
issue, please report the case. You are an adult and the matter has
come to your knowledge, it's your call now.
I know of two good friends, sexually abused when they were kids.
One, that of a close friend raped by an elder brother since 12, at
16 she topped our school in O Levels, but discontinued her studies
(for reasons none of us understood then) before moving out on her
own. At 23 she went home to her mother and brother, but has since
beaten him up for cheating on his wife then warned him against
committing the same act to his 3yo daughter. If it werent for an
ill-considered history, most of the damage today could not have
taken place.
Another case was that of a buddy, cared for by an uncle who
repeatedly sexually abused him over a few years he was less than
12 when it happened.
I am not a professional counselor but I know for a fact that these
things happen and they mess up on its victims in much bigger ways
than you can ever imagine. You need to report the case and your
niece needs counseling.