Know the Facts
About Child Sexual Abuse
The trauma of abuse can be immediate and profound, with lasting consequences that extend into adulthood. Staying informed and proactive is key to protecting our children and ensuring they receive the care and understanding they need to heal and grow.
Critical Facts About Child Sexual Abuse
Know the
Numbers
1 in 5 children is sexually abused before reaching age 18.
In the U.S. alone, this equates to more than 1 million children who will be sexually abused this year.
A child is less likely to be sexually abused by a stranger.
Children report knowing the abuser in 80% of cases.
A family member perpetrates the abuse in 20% of reported cases, with girls at highest risk of being abused by a family member.6
Sexual abuse often occurs due to the actions of another child.
Over half of survivors report being abused by other juveniles.
“Online” and “Offline” safety have to work together.
In more than half (53%) of reported technology-facilitated child sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is an acquaintance or family member of the victim.
All children are at risk of sexual abuse, through some populations experience an increased risk.
Children with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.
Child Sexual Abuse and Child Trafficking
87% of youth who are trafficked for sex have experienced sexual abuse prior to being trafficked.
Prevent Abuse. Support Survivors.
Survivors of child sexual abuse can be affected by the trauma for years. Trauma can be expressed in many different ways and often causes survivors to feel broken, and alone. The stigma surrounding sexual abuse may make survivors feel they cannot reach out for help which internalizes their isolation and shame.​
Survivors May Suffer From Impacts on Their:
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Survivors are 5 times more likely than the general population to be hospitalized for a physical or mental health problem.
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More than 70% of survivors experience moderate to severe levels of insomnia.
MENTAL HEALTH
Survivors experience twice the rate of substance abuse, with 1 in 5 survivors developing an alcohol or illegal drug dependency by the age of 30.
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Survivors are 3 times more likely than the general population to attempt suicide. The risk of suicide attempt(s) increases as the survivor ages.
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There are higher rates of depression, eating disorders, anxiety, 
intimate partner violence, and post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors.
ECONOMIC STABILITY
Survivors of child sexual abuse are up to 40% more likely to drop out of high school than the general population.