January 23, 2022

GET THE FACTS

Child sexual abuse is a serious problem within our society and occurs more frequently than people realize.

1 in 5 children is sexually abused before they turn 18.

Children know their perpetrator in 80% of sexual abuse cases.

Around 20% of sexual abuse perpetrators are family members.

Children with disabilities are 3 times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse can lead to increased risk of substance abuse.

Sexual abuse can lead to increased risk of unhealthy relationships.

With proper support, children who are abused can return to healthy living.

Age-appropriate conversations reduce the risk for sexual abuse.

Abuse survivors often don’t disclose their abuse until adulthood.

34% of youth internet users experience unwanted exposure to sexual material.

Sources:

• The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.

• Characteristics of crimes against juveniles.

• Prevalence and risk of violence against children with disabilities

• Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Developmental Outcomes

• Gendered Pathways From Child Sexual Abuse to Sexual Aggression in Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

• Child Sexual Abuse It Is Your Business.pdf

• Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later.