child_friendly Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse

Global Day to End Child Abuse was created "to build awareness and launch a global crusade against the crime of child abuse." It is for those who have experienced sexual abuse and for those who want to join together to fight against the sexual abuse of children. It was started by The Innocence Revolution, an organization that had the mission of combating sexual abuse worldwide, which was founded by Jill Starishevsky and Tom Scales. The day takes place during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In 2013, for the first Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse, representatives in more than 30 countries around the world and more than half of the states in the United States organized and hosted events to promote the prevention of child abuse. At that time, more than 300,000 children were being sexually abused around the world every year. Most child sexual abuse victims are under the age of ten. About one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse by the age of 18.

Child sexual abuse is defined as "any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer." The perpetrator dominates the child by using coercion, force, or deception at an age when they aren't old enough to give consent. It is the responsibility of adults to protect children from child abuse: to know the behavior of predators, to observe children, and to intervene if they are at risk. Adults must know that predators can be anyone and that they are skilled at lying and manipulation. Since over 90% of predators are known to a child, with about 30% being family members and 60% being known another way, all adults, not just family members, must be involved in protecting children.

A child may or may not show signs of abuse. The signs they may display are many. Withdrawn behavior, anxiety, angry outbursts, and not wanting to be alone with a certain person or people are some indicators that a child might be experiencing abuse. Parents should educate their children about their bodies, healthy sexuality, and boundaries. Adults should assume a child is telling the truth when they share that they have been abused, and they should give the information to authorities so that it can be properly investigated.

How to Observe Global Day to End Child Sexual Abuse

One way to participate in the day is to take part in a Global Day to End Sexual Abuse event. In addition, not just today, but on future days, look for signs of abuse, be someone a child in need can turn to, and report sexual abuse. Some organizations that can provide resources and assistance are:

• American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• Childhelp
• Prevent Child Abuse America
• Child Welfare Information Gateway

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