1 IN 4 GIRLS AND 1 IN 6 BOYS ARE SEXUALLY ABUSED BEFORE AGE 18

Pledge to report child abuse

Only 10% of child sex abuse is reported.

The topic of child sexual abuse is hard to discuss and many people would rather just avoid it. We want to change that. According to estimates, only 5-10% of cases are ever reported.

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

Hover over each for additional information

TOUCHING

Sexual abuse through touching includes making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs, penetrating a child’s vagina or anus with a penis or any object that doesn’t have a valid medical purpose.

NON-TOUCHING

Non-touching sexual offenses involve indecent exposure or exhibitionism, exposing children to pornography, exposing a child to sexual acts and masturbating in front of a child.

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

Child sexual exploitation involves engaging a child or soliciting a child for prostitution. It also can involve using children in pornography.

1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18.

- Centers for Disease Control

WARNING SIGNS

It is important to know the warning signs of child sexual abuse.

Physical Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

If you notice any of the following, take your child to see a doctor for an exam to determine the cause:

pain during urination and/or bowel movements
bleeding, discharge or pain in mouth, genitals, or anus
signs of sexually transmitted diseases
difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
bloody, torn, or stained underwear
self-induced injuries like cutting, burning, suicide attempts
involuntary defecation or urination

Ages 0-3
Ages 3-9
Ages 9+

Warning Signs of Child Molestation for ages 0-3

fear
excessive crying
feeding and bowel problems

sleeping problems
failure to thrive

Warning Signs of Child Molestation Ages 3-9

fear of certain things: people, places, activities
behavioral regression:bed wetting, stranger anxiety
trouble eating or changes in appetite

nightmares, trouble sleeping
withdrawal from loved ones

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse Ages 9 and Up

depression
nightmares, trouble sleeping
doing poorly in school
promiscuous activity
drug and alcohol abuse
signs of aggression

running away from home
fear of recurring attack
changes in appetite
early pregnancy
suicidal thoughts and gestures
overly mature behavior
exuding anger toward being forced into situations out of their control

0 % of juvenile sexual assault victims who know their attacker

0 % of time that children fabricate sexual abuse

0 Estimated Child Abuse Survivers in the U.S. Yes, that's 60 million.

Signs an Adult May be Abusing a Child

Since children rarely admit to being sexually abuse, it’s vital that parents, family members and friends keep an eye out for the following behavior of an adult:

#1

Refusal to give the child privacy or make their own decisions on personal matters.

#2

Abnormal interest in child/teenager sexual development.

#3

treating a certain child differently than others, treating them as their “favorite” or special

#4

Pushing physical affection on a child ie: kissing, hugging or wrestling when it’s obvious the child doesn’t want it.

#5

Insisting on uninterrupted time alone with a child.

#6

Walking in on child/teenager in the bathroom.

#7

Buying child expensive gifts or giving them money for no reason.

#8

Picking on a certain child.

#9

Often offering to babysit or take child on overnight trips.

Take the pledge to report sexual abuse today

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TAKE THE PLEDGE

I pledge to understand the warning signs of child sex abuse and report any instances of child sex abuse or molestation to the proper authorities. I will help raise awareness about this issue by sharing my knowledge and asking my family and friends to take the pledge.