FAQs About Child Abuse
- More than 3,000,000 children are reported as victims of abuse each year.
- According to studies, a high percentage of imprisoned criminals were abused or neglected as children: the cost is to society as well as to the children affected.
- Child abuse can cost taxpayers more than $300,000 per child.
- One in 3-4 girls and one in 6-10 boys will be sexually abused by age 18.
- 85-90% of offenders are known to the child.
- Sex crimes have been committed in all racial, religious, and ethnic groups and all socioeconomic levels.
- The majority of sex offenders are heterosexual males and have access to sexual relationships with adults.
- Offenders almost never seek treatment to stop the abuse voluntarily.
- Children very rarely make up stories of exploitation.
- All children are vulnerable to sexual exploitation because of their innocence, trust in adults, size, eagerness to please, and need for affection.
