CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor and does not need to include physical contact between a perpetrator and a child. In 2017, Ohio CACs provided services to 8862 children with over 71% referred for allegations of sexual abuse.

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Research shows that 26% of girls and 5% of boys will have been sexually abused by the age of 18. Reference

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FORMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

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Some forms of child sexual abuse include:

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  • Exhibitionism, or exposing oneself to a minor

  • Fondling

  • Intercourse

  • Masturbation in the presence of a minor or forcing the minor to masturbate

  • Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction

  • Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies of children

  • Sex of any kind with a minor, including vaginal, oral, or anal

  • Sex trafficking

  • Any other sexual conduct that is harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare

 

BE THE ONE WITH COURAGE – REPORT CHILD ABUSE
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It only takes one person with courage to report abuse. Are you the one? Contact a CAC in your area for guidance and/or call Children Services at 855-O-H-CHILD to make a report of suspected child abuse. Please remember that a call to Children Services is a request for an assessment, not a determination on your part that abuse has occurred.

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Between 2013 and 2017, 139 children in Ohio died due to abuse or neglect.* Your courage to report can be the difference between life or death. If you are concerned that a child is an immediate danger, please call 911 now.


*Reference: 2018 Child Fatality Review Annual Report

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CACs ARE FOR ALL CHILDREN

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Ohio’s children’s advocacy centers are a safe place for all children and families in Ohio regardless of race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, documented status, or insurance coverage.

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If you feel you have been discriminated against, please contact ONCAC and/or file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.