Sexual abuse of children is currently recognized as a serious problem with long-time effects on both the children and the adult survivor. Child sexual abuse is reported up to 80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported is far greater because children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2011). According to recent data reports in 2011, research studies showed that approximately 1,545 deaths were estimated in child deaths. (Maltreatment Reports, 2011). This data report suggested that at least 42 percent of children die from neglect and child abuse in the United States under the age1, 82 percent at the age of 4 and 48 percent were neglected, and 70 percent experienced some form of physical abuse under parental supervision (Maltreatment Reports, 2011). To reduce some of these incidences and the life-long damage caused by child sexual abuse mandatory reporting laws have been introduced in all states (Wallace and Bunting, 2007). According to Goldman (2010), in many countries, government policies, schools and educators are attempting to provide an increased focus on child protection and intervention at the earliest opportunity, often during the compulsory school years. The abuse of a child is much easier to keep a secret than physical abuse, and its symptoms are worst than emotional abuse. Children that have been forced into a sexually abusive relationship may feel responsible for the abuse. Prevention is the key to helping stop children from sexual abuse and exploitation. .
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration (2012), child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child by an adult, an adolescent, or an older child. It occurs when a person uses or attempts to use a child for their own sexual gratification. This includes incest, rape, sodomy, sexual penetration, fondling, voyeurism, and sexual harassment.
