Reporting Child Sex Abuse Can Be Complicated
Victims may not report abuse for many reasons.
By Deana Khoshaba, Psy.D., Developmental Education, Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital While child sexual abuse is reported up to 80,000 times a year, it is estimated that an even higher number of incidents—approximately 500,000 cases—go unreported each year. Given the public outcry in response to recent sexual abuse scandals, it is important to understand why victims, and adults who are aware of the abuse, do not speak up. Victims may not report abuse for a number of reasons. They often fear that disclosure will result in retaliation against themselves or against someone whom they love or depend upon for basic survival. Victims may also fear removal from the home or traumatic separation from family members. An additional …
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Pam DeFiglio
9:49 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012
Thanks for the comment, Sandy, and kudos to you for doing such important work. more ›