Title: Child Sexual Abuse | RAINN
Headings: Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse
What is child sexual abuse?
What do perpetrators of child sexual abuse look like?
How can I protect my child from sexual abuse?
What are the warning signs?
Physical signs:
Behavioral signs:
Where can I get help?

Content: The majority of perpetrators are someone the child or family knows. As many as 93 percent of victims under the age of 18 know the abuser. A perpetrator does not have to be an adult to harm a child. They can have any relationship to the child including an older sibling or playmate, family member, a teacher, a coach or instructor, a caretaker, or the parent of another child. According to 1 in 6, “ [Child] sexual abuse is the result of abusive behavior that takes advantage of a child’s vulnerability and is in no way related to the sexual orientation of the abusive person.” Abusers can manipulate victims to stay quiet about the sexual abuse using a number of different tactics. Often an abuser will use their position of power over the victim to coerce or intimidate the child. They might tell the child that the activity is normal or that they enjoyed it. An abuser may make threats if the child refuses to participate or plans to tell another adult. Child sexual abuse is not only a physical violation;