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.

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 assualts occur to children ages 17 and under. An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today. Get the Facts Learn more about the facts & risks.