Know the Facts

Myths and misinformation make it harder to protect kids from child abuse. Read about some common myths, and then share the real facts with adults you know.

MYTH: Fewer reports means fewer instances of child abuse.

FACT: During the pandemic, reports of abuse dropped because fewer educators and other mandatory reporters were interacting with children. This underscores the need for more prevention training for all adults to keep kids safe.

MYTH: Child abuse doesn’t happen here.

FACT: Child abuse happens everywhere, at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions, and at all levels of education.

Source: childhelp.org

MYTH: Most child abusers are strangers.

FACT: More than 90% of the time, a child is abused by someone they and their family know and trust.

Source: Darkness to Light

MYTH: There are always visible signs or marks of child abuse.

FACT: Physical signs of abuse are less common. Emotional and behavioral signs are more common.

Source: Darkness to Light

MYTH: You can identify a child abuser by looking at them.

FACT: Offenders do not have a certain “look.” Don’t focus on appearances; instead, watch for “red flag” behaviors and intervene immediately. 

Source: Darkness to Light

MYTH: My child would tell me if they were being abused.

FACT: The unfortunate reality is that fewer than 25% of children will report abuse, of any type, immediately after it occurs. The average age to disclose childhood sexual abuse is 52.

Sources: National Children’s Advocacy Center, 2014 and ChildUSA, 2019