educate yourself

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

“Childhood sexual abuse is any contact or interaction (visual, verbal, or psychological) between a child or adolescent and an adult when the child or adolescent is being used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or any other person. Sexual abuse may be committed by a person under the age of 18 when that person is either significantly older than the victim or in a position of power/control over the child/adolescent.” - Dr. Dan Allendar, author of The Wounded Heart

Who are the perpetrators?

There is no definitive profile of a sexual predator. 60% involve people in a child's circle of trust. 40% involve older children. Perpetrators often go out of their way to appear trustworthy, seeking out setting where they can gain easy access to children, like sports leagues, churches, clubs and schools. 

What are the effects of sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse has life-long effects on victims. Whether the abuse occurred once or over a period of time, the trauma leaves a soul wound impacting every aspect of a victim's life. Some of the common effects include depression, anxiety, criminal behavior, addictions, mental disorders, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, learning disabilities, and social/relational problems - often lasting into adulthood. The CDC estimates that child abuse costs us billions annually - effecting society as a whole. 

Which children are most vulnerable?

ANY child who is unguarded and unprotected is vulnerable to sexual predators. 35% of reported cases involve children under 11. 65% are children 12-18. Children are most vulnerable when they are unguarded, abandoned, neglected, isolated, or uninformed. Child sexual abuse is happening to children across the country within every demographic. This preventable crime is happening in families, communities, schools, sports programs, churches, youth programs, online groups, chat rooms, social media outlets, and more. While there are factors that put certain children at higher risk, every child is vulnerable. 

How can you safeguard your own children?

Minimize the opportunity. Protect children by guarding their well being - both physically and emotionally. Put safeguards around screen time and online access. Be a trusted and safe adult by talking openly about body safety, sex, and boundaries in an age appropriate way. Create a family lifestyle that minimizes access - including older siblings/children and family members. 

Learn more on how you can protect and empower children in your family or community. Visit these leading child advocacy and abuse prevention organizations provided below. Each share helpful insight and resources to help you understand the issue, recognize potential predators, and safeguard children. Go a step further and reach out to your local child advocacy center to learn more about the services they provide, and the need for their services in your community.