Most people who sexually abuse children look and appear to act just like everyone else. It’s hard to face the fact that someone we know – and even like – might sexually abuse a child. But the truth is that in 90% of cases, the child knows and trusts the person who commits the abuse. This means that most abusers are either immediate family members (i.e. parents and siblings) or other close relatives (e.g. uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins). Others in the child’s circle of trust may also be abusers. These include those with easy access to children because of their work in schools, child care centers, youth groups, sports teams, religous organizations and in other settings where children live and play.

Older children are also involved in sexually offending younger children in a significant number of cases. Many of these children themselves have been victims of sexual abuse and are in need of therapeutic help to deal with their own current or past abuse. They are especially in need of our understanding and compassion. The good news is that, with counseling from professionals skilled in this area and the support of their families, most can go on to function as normal and healthy children and adults.

If you want to find counseling services for you or someone you know who has been sexually abused or who has been sexually abusive, click on Get Help.