The abuser may threaten the child that something bad will happen to the child, a family member, a family pet, or to the abuser if the child tells. Tell your child about secrets. For example, secrets about birthday parties and presents are good secrets. Secrets about touching private parts are not good secrets. Girls are sexually abused three times more often than boys.
Boys are more likely to die or be seriously injured from their abuse.
Child Sexual Abuse Hurts Child victims of sexual abuse may be boys or girls of any age. The abuse can cause serious and long-lasting psychological harm. Sexual abuse can lead to shattered families, crime and other problems. Learning that a loved one has been sexually abused can be very painful. If friends or family members are involved in the abuse, they may be covering up the problem and feeling guilty.