When myths about child sexual abuse are accepted as truth, survivors may be more likely to stay silent.
In order to break the silence and lower the risk of sexual abuse, you need to know the truth about sexual abuse. Below are eight myths that we should all work to dispel:
01
Sexual Abuse Always Includes Physical Contact
Sexual abuse includes non-physical contact as well. Perpetrators may expose children to pornography or participate in acts of voyeurism. These can potentially have the same long-term effects on a child as physical sexual abuse.
02
Sexual Abuse Only Happens to Girls
Even though abuse of boys is not discussed as often, 1 in 10 boys1 will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old. Your sons need your protection just like your daughters need it.
03
Stranger Danger is the Biggest Cause of Sexual Abuse
Many times, perpetrators are people we interact with on a regular basis. It has been reported that 80% of children who are sexually abused knew their abuser2. While stranger danger is a risk, it is by no means the biggest risk.
04
Sexual Abuse Only Occurs in White Vans or Dark Alleys
Sexual abuse can (and does) occur anywhere children are, including schools, churches, community centers, or at home. Sexual abuse can even take place online. This is why it is important to always be on alert and always have an ongoing dialogue about the risks of abuse with your children.
05
Sexual Abuse is Always Reported to Authorities
Due to the shame that accompanies this subject, many cases of sexual abuse go unreported. Fewer than 12% of cases are reported to the proper authorities. Much of this is due to the fact that perpetrators threaten harm in order to protect their abuse. Even worse, families often sweep it under the rug after the child comes forward, causing additional damage.
06
Sex Trafficking Doesn’t Happen in Your Community
Trafficking happens in every community. According to DoSomething.org, The majority of child sex trafrficking victims were trafficked by a family member and nearly 46% were trafficked by a parent or guardian3. The average age a child enters the sex trade in the U.S. is 12–17 years old4. It doesn’t matter how big or small the city you live in is; trafficking is taking place within your community.
07
Abuse is only perpetrated by adults.
In over half of cases, a child is sexually abused by another juvenile.5 Some children who engage in this behavior have been victims of sexual abuse themselves. Other factors may include exposure to sexually explicit material, witnessing sexual activity, or experiencing other forms of abuse. In some cases, the child is acting impulsively with no intent of causing harm. The sooner these behaviors are addressed, the sooner they will stop.
08
Sexual Abuse Will Happen and I Can’t Do Anything to Stop It
Educated parents and caregivers can significantly reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse. Taking actions to stay informed about how to prevent, recognize, and respond to sexual abuse will help equip you with the tools you need to protect your children. Also, keeping an open dialogue with your children about healthy sexuality will help give your children the confidence they need to confide in you about this sensitive subject.
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