Get The Facts

Get The Facts

National Statistics On Child Sexual Abuse

  • 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.
  • 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.
  • 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet.
  • Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under.
  • An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.

Even Within The Walls Of Their Own Homes, Children Are At Risk For Sexual Abuse

  • 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
  • Another 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.
  • Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.
  • Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.

Sexual Abuse Can Occur At All Ages, Probably Younger Than You Think

  • The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.
  • More than 20% of children are sexually abused before the age of 8.
  • Nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under 12.
  • Evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused.
  • Over 30% of victims never disclose the experience to ANYONE.
  • Young victims may not recognize their victimization as sexual abuse.
  • Almost 80% initially deny abuse or are tentative in disclosing.  Of those who do disclose, approximately 75% disclose accidentally.  Additionally, of those who do disclose, more than 20% eventually recant even though the abuse occurred.
  • Fabricated sexual abuse reports constitute only 1% to 4% of all reported cases.  Of these reports, 75% are falsely reported by adults and 25% are reported by children.  Children only fabricate 1/2% of the time.

Statistics provided by Darkness to Light, a national prevention organization.

In Tazewell, Woodford And Mason Counties:

  • The CAC averages 260 reported cases in child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse annually.