What Is Childhood Sexual Abuse?
What Is Childhood Sexual Abuse?
Childhood sexual abuse is considered any "completed or attempted sexual act, sexual contact with, or exploitation of a child."1 This type of abuse often involves the perpetrator using force or making threats.2
Physical contact does not need to be made between the offender and the child for something to be classified as childhood sexual abuse. Types of abuse include but aren't limited to:3
- Intercourse
- Sexual acts of any kind with a minor
- Fondling
- Masturbation (of oneself or forcing a minor to masturbate)
- Calling or messaging a minor with obscene content
- Producing, owning, or distributing child pornography
- Sex trafficking
This is one of the most stigmatized issues in society and is recognized as a violation of basic human rights and a serious public health concern. However, the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse can be difficult to accurately measure since it is underreported.
Acknowledging a personal history of abuse takes enormous courage. With enough time, the right tools, and proper support, it is possible to move forward in a healthy way beyond the trauma of childhood abuse.
Childhood Sexual Abuse Statistics
Research has shown that many children are affected by sexual abuse. There are also certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of childhood sexual abuse.
- About one in four girls and one in thirteen boys experience sexual abuse at some point during childhood.4
- Studies show that children between the ages of 7 and 13 are the most vulnerable to childhood sexual abuse.5
- Parents or caregivers who witnessed violence as children, or who struggle with substance abuse currently, may end up perpetuating a cycle of abuse.6
- Single-parent homes, or families living in poverty with limited social supports, may be more vulnerable to sexual predators.