Myths & Facts

Myth # 1:  Child sexual abuse occurs only among strangers.  If children stay away from strangers, they will not be sexually abused.

Fact:  National statistics indicate that in approximately 85% of the cases, the offender is known to the victim, He/she is usually a relative, family member, family friend, baby-sitter, or older friend of the child.

Myth # 2: Children provoke sexual abuse by their seductive behavior.

Fact:  Seductive behavior is not the cause.  Responsibility for the act lies with the offender.  Sexual abuse sexually exploits a child not developmentally capable of understanding or resisting and/or who may be psychologically socially dependent on the offender.

Myth # 3:  The majority of child sexual abuse victims tell someone about the abuse.

Fact:  According to a study by Dr. David Finkelhor, close to 2/3 of all child sexual abuse victims may not tell their parents or anyone else because they fear being blamed, punished, or not believed.

Myth # 4:  Men and women sexually abuse children equally.

Fact: Men are the offenders 94% of the time in cases of child sexual abuse.  Men sexually abuse both male and female children.  75% of maile offenders are married or have consenting sexual relationships.  Only about 4% of same-sex abuse involves homosexual perpetrators; 96% of the perpetrators are heterosexual.

Myth # 5: If the children did not want it, they could say "Stop!"

Fact:  Children generally do not question the behavior of adults, and have been taught to obey adults.  they are often coerced by bribes, threats, and use of a position of authority.

Myth # 6:  All sexual abuse victims are girls.