Sexual Abuse Facts - Children's Assessment Center

1. Sexual abuse occurs when a person is manipulated, forced, or tricked into touch or sexual contact.

2. One our of four girls and one out of six to seven boys will be sexually abused by the time their reach the age of 18.

3. Boys are more reluctant to tell about a sexual abuse experience.

4. The average incest victim is eight years old when sexual advances begin. However, sexual abuse can occur at any age, to any child, no matter what their social or economical status.

5. Abusers come from all ethnic groups, all social classes, and are employed in all sorts of occupations and professions. They are often highly respected in their communities.

6. When sexual abuse takes place, the victim often blames him/herself for the abuse. But the victim is NEVER at fault!

7. Eighty percent of the perpetrators are someone the victim knows and trusts (relative, friend, neighbors, etc.).

8. When a child discloses sexual abuse, it is rarely a hoax -- less that 5%.

9. There is also sexual abuse without touch, like exposing, obscene telephone calls, verbal sexual harassment, and pornographic use of children.

10. The quicker the abuse is discovered and dealt with, the less damage to the victim.

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