Child Sexual Abuse Summary Sexual abuse is one form of child abuse. It includes a wide range of actions between a child and an adult or older child. Often these involve body contact, but not always. Exposing one’s genitals to children or pressuring them for sex is sexual abuse. Using a child for pornography is also sexual abuse. Most sexual abusers know the child they abuse. They may be family friends, neighbors or babysitters. About one-third of abusers are related to the child. Most abusers are men. If you think a child may have been abused, it’s important to report it. Specifics Child Sex Trafficking in America: A Guide for Parents and Guardians National Center for Missing and Exploited Children FAQ: Child Sexual Exploitation National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Tips for Protecting Child Athletes from Sexual Abuse National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Start Here Child Sexual Abuse American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child Sexual Abuse National Center for PTSD Related Issues Childhood Sexual Abuse and Suicide American Association of Suicidology Questions and Answers about Memories of Childhood Abuse American Psychological Association Understanding Child Traumatic Stress National Child Traumatic Stress Network Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Abuse, Sexual National Institutes of Health Men Helping Yourself Heal: A Recovering Man’s Guide to Coping with the Effects of Childhood Abuse Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Women Helping Yourself Heal: A Recovering Woman’s Guide to Coping with Childhood Abuse Issues Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Living With Parenting a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents Children’s Bureau Prevention and Risk Factors Preventing the Sexual Exploitation of Children National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Journal Articles Child Sexual Abuse Array Sexual abuse in children — what to know Children Youth and Teens Page National Runaway Safeline
