Despite the pervasiveness of sexual abuse, very few perpetrators are ever held accountable for their crimes. Too often, sexual abuse is overlooked, ignored, or hidden.
The following are more sobering statistics related to sexual abuse.
Sexual Abuse Statistics
According to RAINN, Child Protective Services (CPS) finds evidence of child sexual abuse every nine minutes.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 are the most likely to experience abuse. Sixty-six percent of sexual abuse victims are in this age group, while 34 percent are under 12-years-old.
Often, sexual abuse has long-term physical and psychological consequences. Those who have experienced abuse are approximately:
- Four times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse
- Four times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder as adults
- Three times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults
The fact that 93% of sexual abuse offenders know their victims is one reason survivors of childhood abuse often take years and decades to come forward. Survivors may find it challenging to sort through their trauma and realize they have been abused because they trusted the person that abused them or continues to abuse them.
This is why the extension of the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases in California is so important. Under the law, sexual abuse survivors have to bring their claims in court within a certain time. This is known as the statute of limitations. Victims of sexual abuse have recently been given more time to file a lawsuit and to seek just for their claims. It is important to act to ensure that a legal claim is brought before it is time-barred.
Whether you or someone you love has been the victim of childhood sexual abuse, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark Yablonovich today at (888) 308-4228 to schedule a free consultation with our team.