Facts About Child Sexual Abuse

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is any sexual act committed by a person of authority or family member who has temporary permanent care or custody of a child or by any household or family member, regardless of physical injuries.

Examples are:

  • Sexual touching of any part of the body
  • Penetrative sex, including mouth
  • Touching of breasts or genitals
  • Attempted intercourse
  • "Consensual" intercourse
  • Encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity, including masturbation
  • Intentionally engaging in sexual activity in front of a child
  • Showing children pornography

How prevalent is child sexual abuse?

Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the time they're 18. Only about 10% of child sexual abuse is ever reported.

Who are the victims?

Half of child sexual abuse victims are younger than nine. At the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, 38% of children seen are boys. Nearly 40% are younger than seven; 76% are younger than 12.

Who are the abusers?

Ninety percent of abusers are someone the child or family knows. Almost half of child sexual abuse is committed by teenage boys or young adults aged 14 to 30.

Can child sexual abuse be prevented?

Yes.  Child sexual abuse is a crime of secrecy.  Simply by breaking the silence and starting a conversation with children you can begin taking steps to prevent abuse.  Click here to learn more about what you can do to prevent child sexual abuse. 

If you suspect abuse:

In Baltimore City, call 911 or (410) 361-2235

Outside Baltimore City, report it to the proper authorities by calling 911 or your local department of social services. Click here for a list of numbers.