What exactly is child sexual abuse? Most of us realize that child sexual abuse refers to a sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors when one exerts power over the other. It includes forcing, coercing, or persuading a child to engage in a sexual act. What some people don’t know is child sexual abuse is more than physical assault. It can include non-contact acts such as exposure to sexually themed images or communication – via computer, cell phone, or in person.

A few additional facts about sexual abuse:

1. Child sexual abuse can happen anywhere, in any neighborhood, religion or church group, racial or ethnic group, and among the rich, the poor and everywhere in between. 
2. According to the Justice Center, more than 90% of sexual abuse is committed by someone the victim knows, trusts, or loves.  A group called the Advocacy Center says this familiarity leads to many abusers remaining unsuspected and undetected.
3. Estimates show there are as many as 42 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in America.   

Why so many? Because when those affected by child sexual abuse build the courage to talk about it, walls go up, the subject gets changed, survivors are often shamed, and some are even told not to not tell their stories in an effort to protect the assailant. According to a study completed by the organization Darkness to Light, the public is not fully aware of the magnitude of the problem. The primary reason is that only about 38% of child victims disclose the fact that they have been sexually abused. Some never disclose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that child sexual abuse can lead to physical injuries, chronic conditions, depression, PTSD, revictimization, and increased suicide attempts.

Finally, and most importantly, at least 95% of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness, which explains the goal of !nspired U.