Child Sexual Abuse affects over 20% of the American population
It is hard to come up with a completely accurate statistic for child sexual abuse, many instances of abuse remain undisclosed, largely due to the victims fear or shame. However, it has been commonly stated that 1 in 4 women will abused by the age of 16, and 1 in 6 men will also be abused by the age of 16, resulting in an average of 20% of our population being affected by this silent epidemic.(3)
Who are the perpetrators?
It can be anyone. Usually, it is someone very close to the victim: a parent, sibling, family member. Often, it is someone who abuses a bond of trust that has been built over time, and leaves the victim feeling helpless. Teachers, coaches, ministers, are also common perpetrators, regularly placing themselves in positions of authority and power over children.
Some conclusions have been drawn regarding what most perpetrators look like:
- Men perpetrate most sexual abuse and sex crimes.
- Sex offenders against children tend to be juveniles or young adults under the age of 30.(6)
- Most sexual abuse and sex crimes are committed by people who know the victims. Acquaintances are most often the perpetrators, followed my family members and then strangers.
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