The prevalence of child sex abuse in various institutions is difficult to determine. Often, sexual abuse or molestation is not reported by victims. Most experts agree that the incidence of child sexual abuse and child sexual assault is much greater than what is reported to authorities. Approximately 30 percent of women and 15 percent of men report having been the subject of sex abuse or molestation during youth. If you or your loved one has been molested while at school, church, organized sports or a childcare facility, contact our experienced and compassionate institutional child molestation attorneys for a free initial consultation.
Sadly, the institution in which child sexual abuse and molestation is the most common is the family. Approximately 80 percent of child sex abuse victims report that their abuser was a family member. The family members who are most likely to sexually abuse children are stepfathers, fathers, uncles, cousins, and siblings.
According to the Crimes Against Children Research Center, children are most vulnerable to sexual abuse or molestation between the ages of 7 and 13. During childhood, one in five girls and one in 20 boys will be a victim of child sexual abuse or molestation.
There are a number of institutions outside of the family where child sex abuse is known to occur. If you are concerned that your son or daughter may have been a victim of child sexual assault or molestation, you should contact law enforcement immediately. To learn more about child sexual abuse and molestation in these institutions, follow the links below.
The adults in these institutions are in positions of trust. If a priest, teacher, caretaker, or coach has abused your child, call the police right away. The sexual abuse of minors is a serious crime in every state. But victims can also bring a civil lawsuit against their abusers in court. A civil lawsuit is often the only way for victims to be compensated for the harm caused by child sexual abuse or molestation.
If you are considering filing a civil lawsuit against a sexual abuser, you should speak with an institutional child molestation lawyer to discuss your rights. The compassionate attorneys at Estey & Bomberger have successfully represented victims of child sex abuse and molestation for years. For a free and confidential consultation with an experienced child sexual abuse attorney, call 1 (800) 925-0723.