How often does abuse happen?

Until the late 1970s, many professionals thought child sexual abuse was extremely rare. Since then, growing awareness and the survivors’ own courage has made it clear that childhood sexual abuse is common throughout society, and affects both females and males.

Recent studies offer a range of statistics on the proportion of people who have suffered childhood sexual abuse.

  • The World Health Organisation: 20% of females, 5% of males.
  • Cawson’s UK study (2000): 21% of females, 11% of males,
  • McGhee’s Irish study (2003): 30% of females, 24% of males.
  • American studies: ranging from 6% to 38% of females.

Reasons for these variations, include:

  • Variations in the definition of "childhood sexual abuse" and the age limits used to define “childhood”.
  • Different survey methods producing different responses in survivors.
  • Females being studied more than males.
  • Only a small percentage of sexual crime against children is ever detected, recorded or prosecuted.
  • Most perpetrators do not admit their actions, and many survivors do not wish to disclose their experiences.