What is Sexual Abuse

When an adult involves a child in ANY sexual act, including:

• Fondling
• Exhibitionism
• Voyeurism
• Exposure to pornography
• Internet “chatting” around sexual topics

The Statistics Are Shocking

• 1 in 4 girls sexually abused before age 18
• 1 in 6 boys sexually abused before age 18
• 1 in 5 children receive a sexual solicitation while on the Internet
• Most never tell
• 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in U.S.

Children Are At Higher Risk Than Adults For Sexual Victimization

• More than 67% of all sexual assault victims are under 18
• Median age is 9 years old
• 1 of 7 victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement agencies is under age 6

Typical Child Victimizers are like many people you know…

Research shows that the greatest risk to children doesn’t come from strangers, but from friends and family. People who abuse children look and act just like everyone else. In fact, they often go out of their way to appear trustworthy, seeking out settings where they can gain easy access to children, such as sports leagues, faith centers, clubs, and schools.

Approximately:

• 90% are male
• 90% are religious
• 75% are Caucasian
• 80% are/have been married
• 65% are middle income or above
• 50% are college educated

Child victimizers target children they know…

Family member 40%
- Biological Child 20%
- Stepchild, Adopted, Foster child 30%
- Siblings 10%
- Nieces and Nephews 20%
- Grandchild 5%

Acquaintance 50%
- Child of Friend, Neighbor 40%
- Student, Sports Participant, Mentee, etc. 50%
- Babysitter 5%

*Only 10% ARE STRANGERS
*More than 80% of sexual abuse cases happen in one Adult/one Child situations

Consequences To Victims And Society

• Drug and Alcohol Dependence
• Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Anxiety
• Eating Disorders
• Debilitating Fear, Nightmares
• Delinquency
• Teen Pregnancy
• Sexual Disorders, Prostitution
• Increased Illness, Hospitalizations

What can responsible organizations and corporations who cater to children and their families do to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse?

• Pay Attention
• Understand the Impact
• Create Hiring Policy
• Create One-on-One Policy
• Create Reporting Policy
• Train Employees/Volunteers