Child sex abuse is a distressing and deeply troubling issue that affects countless children in the United States. While it may be uncomfortable to discuss, it is essential that we shed light on this dark reality in order to confront it head-on. By understanding the statistics surrounding child sex abuse, we can raise awareness, advocate for change, and work towards creating a safer environment for our children.
Together, let us uncover the truth and foster a society where every child can grow up free from the fear of abuse.
1. Every 9 minutes, Child Protective Services receives a child sexual abuse report.
2. Each year, there are over 65,000 reported cases of child abuse in the United States.
3. One in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.
4. In cases of child sexual abuse, approximately 90% of victims have some form of familiarity with the perpetrator.
5. Females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
6. There are over 42 million individuals in America who have experienced sexual abuse.
7. According to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, one in five kids is sexually solicited online.
8. In 2015, the estimated total lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse in the United States was at least $9.3 billion.
9. A study conducted by John Hopkins University in Maryland revealed that foster children are four times more likely to experience sexual abuse compared to their peers.
10. Around 20% of individuals who experience sexual abuse are under the age of eight.
According to Child Protective Services, a report of child sexual abuse is received every 9 minutes.
Child sexual abuse is an alarming reality in today’s society. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, child protective services receive reports of child sexual abuse every 9 minutes. This statistic is staggering, especially since the majority of cases are never reported due to a variety of reasons, such as fear and shame. [1]
In the United States, there are over 65,000 reported cases of child abuse each year.
In the United States, the statistics concerning child abuse are deeply troubling. According to the National Children’s Alliance, there were over 65,000 reports of child sexual abuse in 2019 alone. This number is likely to be even higher as many cases go unreported due to victims not being able or willing to speak out about their experiences.
The prevalence of child sex abuse in America affects thousands of children and continues to be a major public health concern. [1]
Before the age of 18, one out of every three girls and one out of every five boys experience sexual abuse.
According to statistics, before the age of 18, one out of every three girls and one out of every five boys experience sexual abuse. This means millions of children and adolescents suffer from this form of trauma each year.
The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be long-lasting and devastating, which is why it is so important to bring awareness to this issue. We must all take action to protect children from this heinous crime. [2]
About 90% of perpetrators are individuals known to the victim, such as a family member or close friend.
When it comes to child sexual abuse, the statistics are unfortunately grim. Research shows that around 90% of perpetrators are individuals known to the victim; this includes family members, close friends, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults.
This can make it difficult for victims to come forward since they may have a deep emotional bond with the perpetrator. Most cases of child sexual abuse are never reported to authorities. [3]
It is up to us as a society to protect children from this type of trauma and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Between the ages of 16 and 19, females face a fourfold higher risk of becoming victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault compared to the general population.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2018, females ages 16-19 were four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. This means that young women aged 16-19 are the most vulnerable group when it comes to these types of crimes.
This statistic is particularly alarming since it is likely that many of these cases are never reported due to fear and shame. This highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts when it comes to child sexual abuse, especially among young women. [4]
In America, over 42 million individuals have experienced sexual abuse.
The number of individuals in America who have experienced sexual abuse is estimated to be over 42 million. This is an alarming statistic that highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts when it comes to child sexual abuse.
This data serves as a reminder that we must all take action to protect children from this heinous crime and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. [2]
Statistics from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force indicate that one in five children undergo online sexual solicitation.
Online sexual solicitation of children is a growing problem that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to statistics from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), one in five children are victims of online sexual solicitation. This means that millions of minors are exposed to inappropriate content and may even be approached by individuals for sex-related activities.
The ICAC Task Force is a program run by the U.S. Department of Justice that works to protect kids from online predators. The organization provides resources and training to help law enforcement and community members prevent, investigate, and prosecute internet-related crimes against children. [5]
The estimated total lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse in the United States was at least $9.3 billion in 2015.
Based on a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States faces a significant lifetime economic burden of child sexual abuse, estimated at a minimum of $9.3 billion. This includes expenses related to medical care, mental health services, lost productivity, criminal justice, and victim compensation.
The report also found that the total economic burden of child sexual abuse was approximately $1,400 per victim. This figure underscores the profound impact that this type of trauma can have on an individual’s life and highlights the importance of prevention programs and increased awareness. [3]
A Johns Hopkins University study of a group of foster children in Maryland found that children in foster care are four times more likely to be sexually abused than their peers.
A recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins University in Maryland investigated the prevalence of child sexual abuse among a group of foster children. The study found that, compared to their peers, these foster children were four times more likely to be sexually abused. This is a concerning statistic as it implies that those in foster care are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and harm.
Children in group homes have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing abuse, being 28 times more at risk.
An Oregon and Washington state study determined that almost one-third of foster children reported abuse by a foster parent or another adult in the home.
The reasons for this heightened vulnerability are not yet fully understood. However, the study highlights the need for increased attention and resources devoted to protecting children in foster care from sexual harm. [6]
Approximately 20% of individuals who have experienced sexual abuse are under the age of eight.
It is an alarming statistic that approximately 20% of individuals who have experienced sexual abuse are under the age of eight. Unfortunately, sexual abuse of children is all too common and can take many forms, including physical contact, voyeurism, verbal sexual abuse, or online exploitation.
Sexual abuse can have long-term physical, mental, and emotional consequences for victims. It is important to be aware of the signs of abuse in children and take steps to protect them from harm. [2]
If you or a loved one has been injured by child sexual abuse within the foster system & need an experienced child sexual abuse lawyer, please contact Goldberg & Loren by calling 1-888-522-0335 or by filling out a form to receive a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Child Sexual Abuse Definition & Facts | Prevent Child Abuse NC. (2022, March 22). Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/resource-hub/about-child-sexual-abuse
[2] Facts and Stats on Child Sexual Abuse | Stop Child Sex Abuse. (2022, January 17). Lauren’s Kids. https://laurenskids.org/awareness/about-faqs/facts-and-stats
[3] About Child Sexual Abuse. (2024, February 14). Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childsexualabuse/fastfact.html
[4] Children and Teens: Statistics | RAINN. (n.d.). https://www.rainn.org/statistics/children-and-teens
[5] 1 in 5 kids is sexually solicited online. (n.d.). www.abc4.com. Retrieved February 14, 2020, from https://www.abc4.com/news/1-in-5-kids-is-sexually-solicited-online-parents-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
[6] Sex Abuse and the Foster Care System. (2020, December 10). Focus for Health. https://www.focusforhealth.org/sex-abuse-and-the-foster-care-system
