Child Sexual Abuse Rates and Statistics

The problem of child abuse in the United States is widespread. In fact, every State in this country has had a fair share of cases of children and teens being abused and exploited sexually, physically, or emotionally. Though many Americans think that the problem itself is now at a certain stage where parents may need to be more concerned about their kids, there are a few others who think otherwise. They believe that a lot of the cases are merely accusations and only a few are substantiated and validated.

Obviously though, numbers don't lie. By looking at the statistics of the different aspects of child abuse, one will realize how potent and imminent this threat is for our children.

- According to Child Help, there were over three million reported cases of child abuse in the United States alone. This number does not say whether most were just accusations or were proven. Nonetheless, it does not deny the fact that the issue is rampant in the whole country.

- According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.

- With regards to the offender, almost 39% of the victims are abused by family members and 56% are abused by an acquaintance of the child or family. Only 5% are abused by a stranger. (Study by Howard N. Snyder, National Center for Juvenile Justice, 2000)

While we falsely link the exploitation and abuse of children to socioeconomic status and the existence of poverty, statistics say otherwise. In reality, even kids from rich and well-to-do neighborhoods can become victims chiefly through technology channels like mobile phone communication and internet. Furthermore, those who have experienced abuse may also tend to build a cycle by abusing others in the future or perhaps become violent individuals. However, most victims do not go on to become offenders.

- More than half or roughly 60% of drug rehabilitation patients have confessed of being abused during their childhood. This entails that drug and alcohol use is a very common way for victims to escape and forget their experience.

- Thirty percent of women inmates in the country reported that they have been sexually or physically abused during their childhood or teenage years.

Finally, by making your own research and study on the frequency of child abuse cases in the United States, you will find out that numbers may vary. But one thing is for sure - every independent or government sanctioned survey or study will conclude that more and more children are exposed and vulnerable to the crime. Though there has been a significant increase in apprehending and convicting sex offenders and abusers, the problem in its entirety is still unsolved. The reason why numbers and statistics are shown by concerned groups and individuals is because our children are always at a constant risk of being abused or exploited by anyone. And our objective is of course to eliminate this risk.