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The Epidemic

Child sexual abuse can be difficult to define. There are many behaviors that can be classified as abuse. However, a full understanding of the nature of child sexual abuse must include accepting that children cannot consent to any sexual act. Child sexual abuse always involves an inequality of power. But…U Have the Power to Prevent Abuse!
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At RAACE, we believe that information and education are the first steps to inspire individuals and communities to stop the ongoing victimization of children everywhere. The statistics are heartbreaking, but we know these statistics are not just numbers. The numbers represent real children — including children we already know.

WHAT IS AN EPIDEMIC?

The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines an epidemic as:

Affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time; excessively prevalent or characterized by very widespread growth or extent.

See below how Child Sexual Abuse compares to other epidemics that affect children:

Epidemic Outcome
Leukemia 1 in 29,000 children
Type 1 Diabetes 1 in 400 children
Autism 1 in 54 children
Child Sexual Abuse 1 in 3 girls & 1 in 7 boys

Definition of Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is defined as sexual activities involving a child and an ‘abusive condition.’ Coercion or a large age gap between the participants indicates a lack of consensuality. 1

Definition of Child Sexual Abuse

Lewd behavior toward a child

Sexual innuendos or suggestive speech
Exposing a child to pornography
Touch or manipulating a child’s genitals in a sexual manner
Adult rubbing against a child (masturbating)
Having children engage in sexual acts with other children
Performing oral sex on a child
An adult having a child perform oral sex on them

Engaging in vaginal or anal intercourse with a child

WHAT IS AN EPIDEMIC?

42% of women and 33% of men never disclose their experience to anyone
Nearly 80% of victims will initially deny the abuse or be hesitant about disclosing
Approximately 75% of known cases are disclosed accidentally by the abused child

Close to Home

30-40% are abused by a family member3
90% of all offenders are someone the child knows and trusts4
Almost 50% are abused by someone outside the family whom they know and trust5
40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know6
Only 10% are abused by strangers3

More Than You Think

1 in 3 girls are sexually abused before the age of 187
1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before the age of 187
1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the Internet8
39 million survivors of child sexual abuse exist in America today9