CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
MYTH VS. REALITY

MYTHS
A. Child sexual abuse is rare.
B. Girls are molested more than boys are.
C. Most sexual abuse occurs at the hands of strangers.
D. Sexual abuse is more common in the lower socio-economic groups.
E. Adolescence is the most common age for sexual abuse to occur.
F. Child sexual abuse is usually violent and involves penetration.

REALITY
A. Some research indicates that about one in four children are sexually abused.
B. Boys and Girls are equally likely to be victims (although researchers believe that boys are less likely to report).
C. Only about 15% of sexual abuse occurs at the hands of strangers. In about 45 to 50% of the cases, the perpetrator is a family member.
D. The incidence of sexual abuse is relatively equal among all ethnic and socio-economic groups.
E. The highest incidence in sexual abuse is in pre-pubertal children with the average age being 8 years old.
F. Most child sexual abuse does not involve intercourse and is not physically violent.

 RECOGNIZING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

MYTHS
A. A child would naturally show fear and/or hatred towards his/her abuser.
B. A child will tell immediately if he/she were abused.

REALITY
A. Children often show love and loyalty toward a family member who is abusing them.
B. Delays in reporting and/or denial are the rule, not the exception.