Child sexual abuse is a widespread problem globally and in Canada. According to statistics, 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males experience sexual abuse before age 18 in Canada, usually by a family member. Globally, around 7.9% of men and 19.7% of women experience sexual abuse as children, with the highest rates in Africa. Signs of child sexual abuse can include behavioral issues, poor school performance, eating disorders, and sleep problems. Prevention strategies include educating children about private parts and appropriate touching, and fostering strong communication between parents and children.

1. Child Sexual Abuse
Sources: Statistics Canada. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85f0033m/2010023/part-partie1-eng.htm
Child Abuse Prevention Website. http://www.safekidsbc.ca/statistics.htm
Statistics Canada. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-224-x/85-224-x2010000-eng.pdf
Journalists Resource RSS. http://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/criminal-justice/global-prevalence-child-sexual-abuse
The Independent. <http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/un-report-uncovers-global-child-abuse-419700.html
Myths:
The abuser is more commonly done by someone they don't know.
The victims will never psychologically be the same way again.
Talking about the event will only make it worse.
Facts/Statistics:
Canada:
o 1 in 3 females and 1 in 6 males experience some kind of sexual abuse before the age
of 18
o 80% of all abusers are family members; 26% of cases are perpetuated by the
victims' siblings
o The sexual assault rate is 1.5 times higher for children than young adults
Globally:
o 7.9% of men and 19.7 of women experience some kind of sexual abuse before the
age of 18
o Africa has the highest prevalence of child sexual abuse (34.4%) while Europe had
the lowest (9.2%)
o According to the WHO, an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys "
experienced some form of forced sexual intercourse or violence" before the age of
18
Signs/Symptoms:
Showing aggressive behavior, having periods of panic, regression
Doing poorly in school
Having eating disorders
Having problems sleeping
Causal Factors:
Being abused as a child
Was exposed to child pornography
Prevention:
Teach the children real names of private part
Talk to the children what sexual abuse is
Develop a strong relationship and communication skills with your children
Agencies
Boost: 890 Yonge Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3P4. Tel: (416) 515-1100
The Gatehouse for Children: 3101 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto, ON M8V 3W8. Tel: 416-
255-5900
Central Agencies Sexual Abuse Treatment: 197 Euclid Ave. Toronto, Ontario M6J 2J8. Tel:
(416) 603-1827