Would you believe that 85% of child sexual abuse is never reported?
If you knew that your dad, aunt, brother, cousin or teacher were an abuser, would you tell?
By looking at the statistic above, we know that most people would answer with a very quiet “no”.
Let’s change that.
Child SASH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the number of children who are sexually abused. We seek to educate the public on the importance of reporting known or suspected child sexual abuse to law enforcement or a state agency. 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. The number of sexually abused children will only begin to decrease when we as individuals and as a society begin to understand that the crime of child sexual abuse must be reported, regardless of the relationship to the offender.
What is child sexual abuse?
- Any sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors when one exerts power over the other.
- Forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act. This, of course, includes sexual contact. It also includes non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism and communicating in a sexual manner by phone or Internet.
- A crime punishable by law.
Do you know someone who may be a victim? Here’s what to do:
BELIEVE
Every child deserves to be believed. 96-99% of child sexual abuse reports are founded. It is estimated that ½% of sexual abuse reports are fabricated by children. The remainder are fabricated by adults. Believe the child and report sexual abuse.
UNDERSTAND
Every child deserves to be understood. Abused children, especially, need extra understanding. Responsible adults need to listen when the child is ready to talk. When they do talk, report what they told you, and just what they told you. Do not ask probing questions. Understand too, that you may not have all the answers. Find a licensed counselor in your area for you and for your child.
PROTECT
Every child deserves to be protected. When you report abuse, you are telling the child that what happened to them was wrong and in turn, you are protecting the child from future abuse. Children have to know that their welfare comes above the abuser’s welfare. Show that you care about and want to protect the child. Report child sexual abuse.
ADMIRE
Every child needs to know that they are admired for talking to someone about the abuse. Most kids think that they did something wrong. Only 15% of victims tell while they are children. We need to show these children that they have been brave and let them know that they will no longer be victimized. Report child sexual abuse and give a child admiration.
REPORT
We should always report a crime against a child. No matter who the offender is. No matter what the level of abuse is. Child sexual abuse is a crime and has consequences for a reason. The effect that it has on it’s victims can be devastating and lifelong, if left untreated. (Go to effects of CSA page for more info). We must help these victims to find freedom from abuse. Healing is possible in a safe and caring environment. Always report child sexual abuse. ALWAYS. You may be protecting more than one child.
Are you a victim? Here's what to do:
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Go to the national reporting website, listed below, and find out who to call in your area or call the number listed below to talk with someone. They can tell you who to call or help you to call. They cannot call for you.
You can also talk to a teacher, pastor, counselor or an adult that you trust to help you.
You deserve to be safe. You deserve respect and care. You can do this because you are stronger than you think.
National reporting website
You can also call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453.