Anyone can be at risk of sexual abuse.
Children are often targeted by adults who have power over them, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual. When the abuser is a trusted friend, relative, or mentor, it can sometimes be difficult for a child to speak up about ongoing abuse.
Teenagers, adults, and even the elderly can be victims of sexual abuse. Women constitute the majority of sexual abuse victims, but men can be victims as well. Nursing home residents may be victims of sexual abuse and assault. Abusers may be friends with the victim, the victim’s spouse, a relative or caretaker, or a complete stranger.