Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence!  Women, men and children can be victims, regardless of age, race, social and economic status, cultural background, religion, marital status, physical or mental ability, gender, or sexual orientation.

Today's parents must face the possibility that someone may hurt or take advantage of their child.  Research indicates that as many as one out of every four children will be the victim of sexual abuse.  Very young children are sometimes abused by someone they know and trust such as a relative, friend or caretaker.  Sexual abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional and can include:

• sexual touching and fondling 
• exposing children to sexual activity or pornographic movies and photographs 
• having children pose, undress, or perform in a sexual fashion on film or in person 
• rape or attempted rape

 

The use of physical force is rarely necessary to engage in sexual activity because of their trusting and dependant nature.  Children are often taught not to question authority and frequently believe that adults are always right.  Sexual abuse is an abuse of power over a child and a violation of a child's right to a normal healthy relationships.