THE FACTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 

 These statistics are based on Austalian and International research

1. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused in Australia
   (Australian Institute of Criminology 2004)
   
   
2. Sexual assault is a risk for ALL children regardless of age, class, family, gender, race or religion.
   (South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) www.secasa.com.au/index.php/workers)
   
   

3. The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.
   (Putnam, F. (2003). Ten-year research update review: Child sexual abuse. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42 , 269-278)

4. Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under.
   (Snyder, H N. (2000). Sexual assault of young children as reported to law enforcement: Victim, incident, and offender characteristics. National Center for Juvenile Justice, U.S. Department of Justice)

5. Most child victims never report the abuse. Only 3% of children will ever tell of their abuse
   

   (Savi Report 2004)

6. The perpetrators aren't ususally 'dirty old men hiding in bushes' - 34% of those who sexually abuse children are family members. A further 59% are friends and acquaintinces of the child and family (teahers, neighbours, coaches etc.)
   (Abel and Harlow, authors Stop Child Molestation)