#StopCSALancaster

Every 68 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.

Child abuse knows no bounds.

Out of the four types of child abuse and neglect, two-thirds of all cases Children’s Advocacy Centers handle involve child sexual abuse.

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child (ages 0-17 years old) in sexual activity, both touching and non-touching behaviors, to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator.

Contact for sexual purposes, molestation, statutory rape, trafficking, sexually explicit images, exposure, incest, or other sexually exploitive activities are all forms of child sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse is preventable.

Take five simple steps to help protect the children in your family and community to prevent this trauma.

Learn the facts.

If we don’t understand child sexual abuse, we can’t stop it. You likely know a child who has been or is currently being abused.

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Minimize opportunity.

Safe environments can help reduce the risk for abuse.

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Talk about it.

By having open conversations that break down barriers and reduce stigma. By talking openly about our bodies, sex, and boundaries, we can encourage children to share.

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Recognize the signs.

Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, but they are often there. Emotional or behavioral changes are often the most common signs.

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React responsibly.

Our responsibility is to react appropriately to suspicion, disclosure, or discovery of abuse.

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93% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child's family or child knows and trusts.

The impact of child sexual abuse is devastating for survivors but it also affects those close to them, as well as the surrounding community.

Signs that a child is being sexually abused are often present, but they can be indistinguishable from other signs of child stress, distress, or trauma. Knowing what to look for can help.

Emotional & Behavioral Signs of Abuse

What to Look For

Physical Signs of Abuse

What to Look For

Disclosure of sexual abuse is the moment when children learn whether others can be trusted to stand up for them.

If you are questioning whether a situation could be considered abuse or neglect, it is always recommended you call a resource, explain the circumstances and ask:

ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313 or visit www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency: 717-295-7925

If a crisis occurs after business hours, a stand-by caseworker is available by calling the Medical Bureau at 717-396-8085

If it is a situation involving a life-threatening emergency, please call 911

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