HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
April 1, 2025
It’s hard to believe that something that happens to 1 in 10 children could be hidden. Although it is extremely difficult to get accurate statistics on the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, a conservative estimate tells us that out of 10 children, at least one will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
To picture this reality more clearly, picture the children in your child’s classroom of 30. Could you imagine that 3 of those children are likely to experience sexual abuse before they graduate from high school? This is an upsetting picture, and yes, the reality of sexual abuse, be it in the life of a child, young adult, or an adult is deeply uncomfortable, but it’s a reality we must face if we are to keep children safe.
Each year, during the month of April (National Sexual Assault Awareness Month), we turn our attention to this sad reality that happens every day of every month in every community far and wide.
While there is good reason to believe that over the past decades, the numbers of sexually abused children are declining. We understand that for people who are now adults, the prevalence of sexual abuse was much higher (1 in 5). It is, indeed, good news that fewer children are impacted by sexual abuse. But it is not good enough — we have a long way to go. We can, and we must, do better!
There are many reasons that sexual abuse remains a hidden problem. Contrary to what most of us would like to believe, abused children rarely speak of the abuse — in fact they go to great lengths to hide the abuse. It is up to us to gain enough understanding of the issue to recognize the signs of abuse before it happens. It is the job of adults to keep children safe.
While the sexual abuse of a child is most often hidden behind closed doors, the signs of abuse are evident for those who are informed. Take the time to find out the conditions that create an opportunity for abusers to prey upon a child, know the signs of abuse, and remember that children are vulnerable — it’s up to us to protect them.
Most often, the sexual abuse of a child is not an act of violence that might draw attention. Abusers carefully and insidiously develop a relationship of trust with the child prior to the abuse, making it nearly impossible for children to recognize the harm or to speak up. This process of grooming also makes it more likely that the abuse will continue over time. Knowing the signs of grooming can protect a child.
Reduce the Risk
Understand the conditions that put children at risk. The overwhelming majority of kids are abused by someone they know. Be proactive in asking questions of anyone with whom your child spends unsupervised time.
Speak up
Sexual abuse thrives in silence. If you suspect a child is being harmed, trust your instincts – speak up, ask questions, check in with the child. Inquire about safety policies at your child’s school, daycare, sports teams, etc. Know that much of the sexual abuse of children happens within families — know the signs and don’t be afraid to speak up, as uncomfortable as this may be. The more we speak up; the safer children will be.
The sexual abuse of children is a problem we all have a stake in. The consequences of sexual abuse cause deep harm to the child and to the community surrounding the child. We all have a job to do in making the reality of sexual abuse far less common. Let the month of April be the beginning of a commitment to become informed, aware, and take action to keep children safe!
~ Janice Palm, LMHC, Executive Director
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There is good reason to believe that over the past decades, the numbers of sexually abused children are declining. But it is not good enough — we have a long way to go. We can, and we must, do better!