According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), approximately 703,000 children were abused or neglected in 2009. Of those, about 9.5%, or 66,690 children, were victims of sexual abuse.
Even though sexual abuse is less common than physical abuse or neglect, children can be sexually abused at any age from infancy through adolescence. Sexual abuse appears to take place among all economic, religious, and ethnic groups. The abuser is usually someone the child trusts, such as a neighbor, friend, or relative.
Unfortunately, even young children can be victims of sexual abuse. Child care providers need to be alert to signs of sexual abuse.
For more information on identifying and handling all types of abuse, including sexual abuse, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care articles on identifying abuse, preventing abuse, and responding to abuse.
