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.

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

Some forms of child sexual abuse include:

• 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

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.

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

CACs are for all children

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.

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