Understanding Childhood Sexual Trauma Together
Statistics and Basic Information
Statistics
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1 in 20 boys
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1 in 5 girls
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In the U.S. 28% children between 14-17 are sexually abused
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90% is done by someone the child knows
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1 billion children internationally
Coping Mechanisms
A study conducted in 2017 by Sandra Gray and Susan Rarick found evidence for gender differences in coping mechanisms. The research showed the females often display internal coping mechanisms such as depression and suicidal ideations. In contrast, boys tend to display external coping mechanisms including substance abuse. Another study done by Lil Tonmyr and Margot Shields furthered these findings by finding a correlation between childhood sexual abuse and substance abuse.
The "Cycle of Violence"
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There is a direct link between childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence
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People who experienced CSA are 1.4x more likely to be a victim of IVP
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People who experienced CSA are 1.39x more likely to be a perpetrator of IVP
Changing the Narrative
"I am scared that I will marry a partner who will hurt my daughter" -anonymous
"I lost a lot of people close to me when I came forward about my trauma" -anonymous
"I grew up feeling dirty" -anonymous
"How do I stop the cycle?" -anonymous
"I didn't have any interest in having sex for a long time" -anonymous
"No one in my life talked about sexual abuse so I spent a long time thinking there was something wrong with me." -anonymous
"The statute of limitations was up when I tried to take legal action" -anonymous
You are not alone.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 19). About Child Sexual Abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html
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Gray, S., & Rarick, S. (2018). Exploring Gender and Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 27(5), 570–587. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1484403
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Jennings, W. G., Richards, T. N., Tomsich, E., & Gover, A. R. (2015). Investigating the Role of Child Sexual Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Young Adulthood From a Propensity Score Matching Approach. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 24(6), 659–681. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2015.1057665
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National Center for Victims of Crime. (2024). Child sexual abuse statistics. National Center for Victims of Crime. https://victimsofcrime.org/child-sexual-abuse-statistics/
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National Children's Alliance. (2022). National statistics on child abuse. National Children’s Alliance. https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/
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Tonmyr, L., & Shields, M. (2017). Childhood sexual abuse and substance abuse: A gender paradox? Child Abuse & Neglect, 63(63), 284–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2016.11.004