How many children are sexually abused each year?
447031
The Department of Health and Human Services released a survey estimating that child abuse and neglect in the United States nearly doubled during the seven years between 1986 and 1993. \n\nThe report estimated the number of abused and neglected children increased from 1.4 million in 1986, to over 2.8 million in 1993. The number of children who were seriously injured quadrupled from about 143,000 to nearly 570,000.\n\nOf course, this is an old study, and it is talking merely about numbers of reported victims.  Reports sometimes vary simply because trends may veer away from reporting when constant attention is not focused on the problem.\n\nNumbers alone cannot reflect the gravity of this problem.  Given this rate of increase the number possible today looks astronomical.  Remember that one child is a crisis of intolerable proportion.  Nobody should be truly at peace when anybody is hurting -- especially children.
624567
Unfortunately there is no easy answer with today's paranoia. While sexual offenses are certainly horrible, society seems to be okay with the 1.2 to 1.5 million children homeless on any given night in America. They say that up to 1 in 5 children are sexually abused, 95% of which are crimes committed by friends, family, and professionals (clergy, doctors, therapists, etc.) If 1 in 5 children are abused, that means that 1 in 14,400,000 will be abused. Again, primarily by a known abuser. The odds of being struck by lightening are 1 in 600,000 so a child has a 24% chance of being struck by lightening.\n\nEveryone deserves a second chance. The Department of Justice shows a study indicating that 5.3% of sex offenders reoffend within 3 years and as the years pass, the recidicism rates decrease. Also, 2 other important aspects to consider: 1). Many if not most sexual offenders have wives and children to support and those family members should not be required to suffer. 2). Sexual offenses come in many many forms. Not all sexual offenders are child molestors. Many involve consensual sex between youth of a few years apart in age. Even today, there are children on the registries as young as 12 years old (a child?!) Many involve false accusations. (Many people say plead innocent if you are but, most cannot afford the costs yet are not poor enough to qualify for low quality court appointed attorney. When the justice system charges someone, they also continously threaten the absolute worst. Most choose to take probation instead of a chance at 30 years in prison.) Many sexual offenses involve no physical touching of anyone. \n\nBack to securing employment, I have to say that it is next to impossible unless you find a compassionate person willing to forgive. Of course, we are a nation that perports forgiveness (I guess Christians have forgotten all about that) yet the reality is that we do not forgive. We seem to thrive on watching 'lesser' humans suffer. That, to me, is far less admirable than a man who admits his crimes and weaknesses. \n\nSociety seems to not want ex-offenders to work of live anywhere. It has created a subclass much like the black people had it prior to the recent freedoms given to them. It does not seem to matter even if it is a ditch digger, ticket taker, WalMart warehouse, etc. It would seem that anytime an ex-offender is found working, someone makes a fuss. \n\nSociety, due to the media frenzy to sell compassion drawing audiences even if the media exagerates or does not report all sides, has effectively shunned ex-offenders into no chance of a life. This, unfortunately, will only lead to more crimes. When the ex-offender becomes homeless, he may be required to register on a very regular basis. It's no surprise that many hopeless ex-offenders simply dissappear. \n\nSociety seems to be content with building more prisons even though we have the highest rate of incarcerations than any other industrial society. Why not up it from 2,000,000 prisoners to 6,000,000? Why stop there? Why not build concentration camps so prisoners can make all the things that the upper classes require to live ever so comfortably? Why not criminalize more things? Maybe bring back prohibition since the war on alcohol can be just as successful as the war on drugs. Bring in the military too.  Currently, Americans owe in excess of $30,000 for every man, woman, and child. Why not triple that to $90,000? I am okay with that as I have no children who would have to be responsible for that debt even though I think money could be better spent on education, national health (we tend to wait until we are sick instead of preventative analysis...well except those who can afford it...just ignore those 1.2 to 1.5 homeless children), global compassion as opposed to terroristic threats, maybe keeping some of our own money before buying off other nations and then sending them our jobs anyway, perhaps another form of pay-off, etc. \n\nNo, the best jobs
245721
http://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-of-sexual-assault.html?PHPSESSID=50791e5e4a3fed1303ec2788598b14be\n\nRAINN is a good resource;  I heard recently that 1 in 3 girls are sexually abused and no one really know for men b/c they don't report it as often.  Type it into Yahoo and tons of hits come up.
925161
Yes, sexually/physically. It started when I was three - by two cousins and an uncle, it went on for thirteen years. I did as much as I could to escape it, even running away - constantly. Recently, I went to the police (for a second time) However, the punishment given didn't fit the crime, and the cousin who abused me most, only got 5 years. I think people now a days are too scared to go to the police or report anything, because victims don't get enough support. Abusers get a couple years in prison - victims and survivors - they get a lifetime of never ending pain. I wouldn't wish the feelings they caused me to have on anyone, not even my worst enemy. \nIf you are in a situation where you're being hurt, please get as much help as you can...to physically get you out of the situation, and to help you with your emotions too.
383986
Incest is more common that you think.  People just don't talk about it.\n\nI worked with a bunch of women in NY amd most of them were abused as kids.  My best friend who is Jewish was raped by her grandfather - a Rabbi - from 5mths old to 16 years.\n\nIt happens in all strata of society.
130331
I am a teacher, and they tell us it is high.  Any type of abusers were usually abused themselves.  Talk to a psychologist or psychology teacher for more insight on this.
759581
=Child abuse is harm to, or neglect of, a child by another person, whether adult or child. Child abuse happens in all cultural, ethnic, and income groups. Child abuse can be physical, emotional - verbal, sexual or through neglect. Abuse may cause serious injury to the child and may even result in death. \nSigns of possible abuse include:\n\nPhysical Abuse\nUnexplained or repeated injuries such as welts, bruises, or burns. \nInjuries that are in the shape of an object (belt buckle, electric cord, etc.) \nInjuries not likely to happen given the age or ability of the child. For example, broken bones in a child too young to walk or climb. \nDisagreement between the child's and the parent's explanation of the injury. \nUnreasonable explanation of the injury. \nObvious neglect of the child (dirty, undernourished, inappropriate clothes for the weather, lack of medical or dental care). \nFearful behavior. \nEmotional - Verbal Abuse\nAggressive or withdrawn behavior. \nShying away from physical contact with parents or adults. \nAfraid to go home. \nSexual Abuse\nChild tells you he/she was sexually mistreated. \nChild has physical signs such as: \ndifficulty in walking or sitting. \nstained or bloody underwear. \ngenital or rectal pain, itching, swelling, redness, or discharge \nbruises or other injuries in the genital or rectal area. \nChild has behavioral and emotional signs such as: \ndifficulty eating or sleeping. \nsoiling or wetting pants or bed after being potty trained. \nacting like a much younger child. \nexcessive crying or sadness. \nwithdrawing from activities and others. \ntalking about or acting out sexual acts beyond normal sex play for age. \nAbuse can happen in any family, regardless of any special characteristics. However, in dealing with parents, be aware of characteristics of families in which abuse may be more likely:\n\nFamilies who are isolated and have no friends, relatives, church or other support systems. \nParents who tell you they were abused as children. \nFamilies who are often in crisis (have money problems, move often). \nParents who abuse drugs or alcohol. \nParents who are very critical of their child. \nParents who are very rigid in disciplining their child. \nParents who show too much or too little concern for their child. \nParents who feel they have a difficult child. \nParents who are under a lot of stress. \nIf you suspect child abuse of any kind, you should:\n\nTake the child to a quiet, private area. \nGently encourage the child to give you enough information to evaluate whether abuse may have occurred. \nRemain calm so as not to upset the child. \nIf the child reveals the abuse, reassure him/her that you believe him/her, that he/she is right to tell you, and that he/she is not bad. \nTell the child you are going to talk to persons who can help him/her. \nReturn the child to the group (if appropriate). \nRecord all information. \nImmediately report the suspected abuse to the proper local authorities. In most states, reporting suspected abuse is required by law. \nIf you employ other providers or accept volunteers to help you care for the children in your facility, you should check their background for a past history of child abuse or other criminal activity. Contact your local police department. Many states require that child care providers have background and criminal history checks.\n\nDealing with child abuse is emotionally difficult for a provider. As a child care provider, you should get training in recognizing and reporting child abuse before you are confronted with a suspected case. If you suspect a case of child abuse, you may need to seek support from your local health department, child support services department, or other sources within your area.\n\n\nThe second link includes other resources for you. Thank you for being aware and caring.. \n\nSource(s):\n\nhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factshe...\n\nhttp://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/c...
183857
My guess would be approximately 2.5 billion.  I love children!!!
984652
Actually, Megan's Law doesn't stop abuse. It only names those who are sex offenders. Study after study in the U.S. show that the majority of child sexual abuse is committed by people the child already knows - parents, step parents, family relatives and friends, babysitters, coaches, teachers, youth pastors, etc. So this fact makes it unlikely that you can protect your child from danger by looking at such a registry. You're better off screening the adults who know your child, and being careful which of these adults are alone with your child. They're more likely to offend than some stranger down the street or in the next town over.
606072
I don't know about 98% of the world problems (my vote for the biggest problem-causer in the world would have to be poverty, because it correlates with so many other problems including child abuse, crime, illness, early death, lack of education opportunities, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.).\n\nHowever, the short- and long-term effect of abuse on individuals is devastating, particularly if they do not recieve support or counselling.  At it's most basic level, abuse is a total betrayal of the child by the abuser.  It is what Marsha Linehan called the ultimate invalidating environment.  The legacy of abuse includes guilt, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD, emotional and behavioral problems, problems in school, and a danger of becoming an abuser themselves.  \n\nThese are problems that society deals with when the abused child grows up.\n\nNow the majority of abused children do grow up to be productive members of society, which just goes to show the amazing resiliency of the human spirit.  Dave Pelzer, who wrote "A Child Called It (worth reading)" is one of the more famous examples.\n\nHowever, the majority of the world's monsters were themselves abused, often horribly, as children.  There is certainly a high correlation with abusive childhoods in the backgrounds of serial killers.  Only a small minority or abused children become monsters, but a high percentage of monsters were abused as children.  A percentage of those who abuse their children were themselves abused as children.\n\nIt would not surprise me if at all if Saddam Hussein was abused as a child.  Most monsters are made, not born.
334929
There is no easy answer to this question. Chemistry? Childhood? Abuse? Television? Violence? Environment? Were they molested? A combination of all of these? Or, was it simply just something they decided to do one day? The frightening truth is that no one really knows. There are some clues as to who might become a sexual predator and who might not, but even these are vague and not as dependable as they might seem. The answer to you question lies within each individual sexual predator.
264944
First of all, you can make people AWARE. Awareness is your best weapon. I was raped at 4 years of age. I also was made aware of what to do if something like that should happen to me. I screamed, yelled, kicked, bit, etc. Because I did so, the teenager who raped me was caught and prosecuted. Because my parents were aware of what to do in such cases, they got me help right away. Children AND parents need to be taught how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens. I suggest that you also lobby for more strict legislation to deal with sex offenders. Perhaps form a community group at your childrens' school.
195264
Good luck in finding it. Just remember that not all sex offenders are pedophiles. Some just made a bad decision when they were younger and got involved with a seductive 16 year old or were got masturbating in a public bathroom or their tent at a campground. \n\nIn fact, the majority are probably not a threat to you or your children at all. Despite what Oprah says.
4592
It varies per year. \n\nThe figure for 2004 was 15,798.
204274
I wouldn't say that abuse is getting more frequent.  The interpretation of child abuse is getting stricter thus giving the appearance of more child abuse.
1062798
Absolutely NOT! The only things that will stop child sexual assault are:\n\nParents not neglecting their children. They have to watch them constantly whether they are outside in the yard, at the park, on the internet, in the library or in a store! You can not just let your child run wild and not know what he/she is up too.\n\nTeaching Prevention to Parents, Teachers, and other persons of \nAuthority. Teaching them how to see a possible problem.\n\nTeaching good touch and bad touch to your child. Let them know it is perfectly ok to tell you anything at anytime. Let them know that if someone does something to them and tells them don't tell because I will hurt you or your Mommy etc that it is not true. None of you will be harmed. Teach them DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS! Do not take candy, stuffed animals, etc from strangers. Do not go "look for the lost puppy with a stranger".\n\nIf you instill these things on a regular basis to your children, they will be much more protected. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN. Do not ignore them. Watch for warning signs of depression, not wanting to go to someones house, not wanting to be around a certain person. \n\nPlain and simple. STAY INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILDS LIFE!
969026
16,000 per year divided by 365.  It's much more violent than most countries.\n\nYeah, it would include abortions, IF fetuses are counted in the Census figures!