Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is perpetrated on 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys before their 18th birthday (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006).  This crime affects victims and families for years beyond the abuse by stealing the inherent sense of trust children have in adults.  Sexual abuse is preventable and it's and adult's responsibility and duty to protect children.  Some of the facts of child abuse:

Nearly 70% of reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under.

56% of those that sexually abuse a child are acquaintances of either the child or the family.

The primary reason that the public is not sufficiently aware of child sexual abuse as a problem is that 73% of child victims do not tell anyone about the abuse for at least a year.  45% of victims do not tell anyone for at least 5 years.

Here are 7 steps adults can take to protect children:

Step 1:  Learn the facts.  By becoming aware of the threat children face from sexual abuse, adults are more likely to make safer decisions.

Step 2:  Minimize opportunity.  If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you'll dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse.  This includes "trusted adults".

Step 3:  Talk about it.  Talking openly with your own children about sexual abuse and improper touching/situations will make children more aware of what abuse is and more likely to recognize it if it happens.

Step 4:  Stay Alert.  The effects of sexual abuse are not always as apparent as adults would think.  Stay aware of behavioral or emotional changes in children.

Step 5:  Make a plan.  Do you know who to call or where to go if a child came to you and reported they were abused?  Sexual abuse is a crime and should be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible.

Step 6:  Act on suspicions.  Being a silent bystander to sexual abuse could contribute to a lifetime of psychological and emotional problems for a child victim.

Step 7:  Get involved.  Use your voice to make your family and friends aware of the facts surrounding sexual abuse.

 
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office makes child sexual abuse cases a priority.  Our goal is to spread the word about the steps to preventing child sexual abuse and making the community a safer place.

For more information on preventing child sexual abuse, please visit:  Darkness to Light