CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Child sexual abuse may take many forms (& it isn't just physical).  Sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult and a minor or can be between two minors when one holds power over the other. It also includes non-contact acts, which includes voyeurism, exposure to pornography, and exhibitionism.

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Child sexual abuse is a serious global problem. It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys will be sexually abused before they reach 18.

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In 2020, the North Dakota Department of Human Services received 15,482 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. In 2020, 862 female and 406 male children were referred to North Dakota Children’s Advocacy Centers, the majority of cases seen at the CACs involve an allegation of sexual abuse.

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The average lifetime cost per victim of child abuse is $210,012. Click here to learn more about the short- and long-term consequences victims of CSA face.

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CSA negatively impacts all facets of life — not only for the victims but also for their loved ones and society at large. Together, in North Dakota, we must do what we can to prevent child sexual abuse before it happens. Solutions exist in multiple ways.  Change is necessary and possible.

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