1 in 7 males is molested

1 in 4 females is molested

11% of abuse is committed by strangers

29% of abuse is committed  by relatives

60 % of abuse is committed by others known to the victim

Ephebophile - Someone who sexually abuses a child from 14 Pedophile years old

Pdophile - Someone who sexually abuses a child from 1 to 13 years old

3 Types of Offenders

• Preferential: Child is seen as part of social relationship, romantic, sexual partner.
• Situational: Offended does not prefer children, but offends during times of depression, anxiety, and intoxication.
• Indiscriminate: Offender harms anyone randomly.

Resource: Virtus www.virtusonline.org

 General Signs

• Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults
• Reluctant to go home (coming to school early or staying late, for example)
• Very passive and withdrawn - or aggressive and disruptive
• Tired a lot, complaining of nightmares, and/or not sleeping well
• Fearful and anxious
• Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
• Is always watchful, as if preparing for something bad to happen

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes, and other injuries
• Bruises or welts in various stages of healing, or in clusters or patterns in the shape of an object, like a belt or an electrical cord
• Pattern burns, such as cigarette burns, iron burns, burns in the shape of a specific object, or scald burns
• Marks hidden from typically exposed areas of skin
• Apparent fear of parent or caregiver
• Faded bruises or healing injuries after missing school

Sexual Abuse

• Difficulty walking and/or sitting, or other indications of injury in the genital area
• Running away from home
• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• Experiences sudden change in appetite
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior that is beyond what is normal for that child's age
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)/Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) - particularly if under age 14

Emotional Abuse

• Acting overly mature or immature for that child's age
• Extreme changes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
• Delays in physical and/or emotional development
• Attempted suicide
• Lack of emotional attachment to the parent
• Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example), or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

Neglect

• Missing school a lot
• Begging for and/or stealing money and/or food
• Lacking needed medical and/or dental care
• Being frequently dirty
• Using alcohol and/or drugs
• Saying there is no one at home to take care of him/her

Source: Prevent Child Abuse America www.preventchildabuseillinois.org

There are many reasons children do not tell anyone they are (or have been) abused. Most often, the abuser is someone the child or the family cares about and the child may worry about getting that person in trouble. 80-85% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. They may also be worried that no one will believe them. Remember, abusers frequently employ persuasive and manipulative tactics to keep a child engaged. These tactics - referred to as 'grooming' - may include buying gifts, arranging special activities, or make abuse into a game which can further confuse the victim. Lastly, the child may not tell anyone for fear of getting in trouble themselves. Remember, our children need adults in the community to help recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse!

• Seems unconcerned about the child's welfare at school and/or home.
• Denies problems at school and/or home.
• Blames the child for any problems at school and/or home.
• Views the child as worthless and/or a burden.
• Avoids discussing the child's injuries and/or gives conflicting explanations for such injuries.
• Uses alcohol and/or drugs.
• Seems isolated from the other parents, the child's school, and/or community activities.
• Uses harsh physical discipline and/or asks other caregivers to use such discipline.
• Depends on the child for emotional support.
• Seems indifferent to the child.
• Seems secretive and/or tries to isolate the children from other children.
• Frequently blames, belittles, and/or insults the child.

Source: Prevent Child Abuse America www.preventchildabuseillinois.org