FACT Parents often feel guilt and blame themselves for not protecting their child. However, this attitude shifts blame and enables offenders to avoid responsibility for their actions. The offender is always the person who is responsible for child sexual assault and exploitation.

FACT In child sexual assault cases, 70% to 90% of offenders are known to the child and family (Finkelhor, 1994; Mouzous & Makkai, 2004; National Child Protection Clearinghouse, 2005). Beyond this, 90% of child abuse incidents involving neglect, emotional or physical abuse are caused by the parent or primary caregiver.

FACT Research shows that children and young people with disabilities are up to four times more likely to be abused as they may not have the language or understanding to communicate what is happening to them (World Health Organisation, 2018).

FACT There can be many barriers to a child disclosing sexual assault or exploitation. Perpetrators work hard at ensuring their victims remain silent, using many different tactics. The result is that a child who is being sexually assaulted or exploited may experience fear, confusion, guilt, shame and sadness, making it difficult for them to disclose.

FACT All children are vulnerable to sexual harm regardless of their background.

FACT If a child is being sexually assaulted or exploited by a parent, loved one or caregiver, they will often be confused by the behaviour and struggle with conflicting emotions. A child may still view the perpetrator as a loved one and may not outwardly show any anger or resentment towards them.

FACT 98% of child sexual assault disclosures are found to true (Dympna House, 1998). Although children may retract their report, this is commonly due to shame, confusion, fear of consequences or other threats that occur after the initial report has been made. It is therefore vital to believe and support the child throughout the entire process.

FACT Children often disclose long after the assault has started. The offender often uses behaviours such as ‘accidental touching’ or tickling to minimise their behaviour and blame the child. A child’s disclosure should always be acknowledged and believed.

FACT It is important to be aware there are both male and female child sex offenders. Although prevalence rates are variable, 4.6% to 10.7% of child sexual assault crimes are committed by women (Cortoni & Hanson, 2005; Peter, 2009; Stathopoulos, 2014).

FACT Australian studies find that 30-60% of child sexual assault is carried out by other children and young people, and most young people target younger children or peers, and know their victim (Department of Human Services [DHS], 2012; Hunter 1999; KPMG, 2014, p. 22; Weinrott, 1996). Preventing child sexual assault and exploitation requires us to acknowledge this uncomfortable truth and be aware that it is not only adults who can sexually harm children or young people.

FACT Pressure is mounted on a child following disclosure. Consequences of disclosures can include family breakdown, parent distress, and other effects. Retracting a statement may be a child’s attempt to return their situation to normal, rather than an indication that they were lying. This is why it is so important that a child is supported and believed after a disclosure is made.