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BTBTGT

For grown-ups

The facts, stated plainly

Every number on this page comes from a named, citable source. We have not rounded anything up for effect. The goal is not to frighten you — it is to show you exactly where a parent's attention makes the biggest difference.

The numbers

Why this conversation cannot wait

These figures are hard to read. They are also the reason plain, calm, age-appropriate language works — children who have the words are far more likely to use them.

1 in 9

girls

experience sexual abuse or assault before they turn 18. For boys it is 1 in 20.

Source: RAINN

9 of 10

cases

involve someone the child or the family already knows and trusts — not a stranger.

Source: RAINN

~30%

by family

of children who are abused are harmed by a member of their own family.

Source: RAINN

Most

stay silent

children delay telling anyone — often for years — out of fear, shame, or self-blame.

Source: RAINN

The good news

Prevention genuinely works

Children who have been taught body safety are measurably more likely to recognise unsafe situations and to tell someone. You are not powerless here — these six habits do the heavy lifting.

  • Use correct anatomical names for body parts from the earliest age, without embarrassment.
  • Teach that no adult ever needs a child to keep a secret from their parents.
  • Give your child explicit permission to say no to any touch, including from relatives.
  • Name five safe grown-ups together, so telling is never a guessing game.
  • React calmly to small disclosures — that is the audition for the big one.
  • Repeat the conversation regularly. One talk is a fact; many talks are a habit.
Illustration of a confident child in a karate stance

Four myths worth retiring

It is mostly strangers.

Actually: About 9 in 10 children are harmed by someone already inside their circle of trust — a relative, family friend, coach, or older child.

Talking about it will scare my child.

Actually: Body-safety education does not frighten children. Studies consistently find it increases their knowledge, their skills, and their willingness to tell.

My child would tell me right away.

Actually: Most children delay disclosure, frequently for years. They usually test the waters with a small hint first — which is why your reaction matters so much.

Abuse always leaves physical signs.

Actually: Most often there are none. Behavioural changes — new fears, secrecy, regression, sudden dislike of a person or place — are the more common signal.

Where these numbers come from

If a child is in immediate danger

Call 911. To report suspected abuse or talk it through with a trained professional, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, available 24/7.

Read the parent resources