By Connor Boyd

BLOOMINGTON – Josh Duggar’s sisters have continued the family’s defense of their brother.

Allegations that the 19 Kids and Counting star had fondled five underage girls, including four sisters, were made public last month.

Executive Director of the McLean County Child Protection Network Judy Brucker said that the family’s support for Josh is not uncommon.

“Of course they love their brother, just because someone does something bad to us doesn’t mean we no longer care about them,” said Brucker. “That, again, comes back to how complicated these case are.”

Twelve years ago, as a teenager, Josh inappropriately would touch his sisters while they slept. The sisters spoke out saying the extent of his actions was “mild.” Brucker said that while it’s understandable for the family to stick together there need to be further steps taken.

“Victims still need to get the assistance that they need to heal and move forward, and the young offender needs to get the assistance they need so that they don’t re-offend,” said Brucker.

The 27-year-old confessed his inappropriate actions to his parents. The family added safeguards and other precautions, as well as being sent to counseling. Brucker added that Duggar’s actions were typical for a child molester.

“What we know is that folks who sexually offend. typically start when they are younger-this is not an uncommon thing,” said Brucker.

According to Josh’s sisters, none of the victims knew they had been offended until he came forward.