The Impact of Sexual Abuse*

SEXUAL ABUSE STATISTICS

  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18.
  • 90% of offenders are known by their victim or their victim’s family.
  • Each year, 1 in 7 nursing home residents and thousands of adults with disabilities are abused.
  • There are more than 60 million survivors of child sexual abuse in America; 80% never reported their abuse.

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ARE

  • 3 times more likely to suffer from depression
  • 10 times more likely to attempt suicide
  • 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol
  • 26 times more likely to abuse drugs

*from www.praesidiuminc.com/why-praesidium/the-impact

Protecting our young people from becoming part of these devastating statistics begins with educating ourselves. The valuable resources linked below are great places to start.

Child Abuse Reporting – Illinois Department of Child & Family Services (reports may be made anonymously – 1-800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873).

Need Someone to Talk With? Visit childhelphotline.org or call or text 800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD). This anonymous 24/7 hotline is a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for those concerned about or affected by child abuse. This is NOT a reporting line.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Prevent Abuse

Darkness to Light

Age-based ratings and review of movies, TV, books, games, podcasts, and apps – Common Sense Media

Resources about Bullying: Committee for Children

Online Safety age-appropriate resources from Common Sense

Online Safety for Youth – multiple resources from the US Department of Justice

Online Teen NetSmartz Resources – materials for middle-school/high school youth and the adults who care for them from missingkids.org

MATERIALS FOR YOUTH

Videos and materials written for youth of varying ages from childhelp.org :