Myth: Child abuse is rare
- The Children’s Safety Center served a total of 546 alleged victims of child abuse in 2015.
Myth: Child abuse only affects girls
- Unfortunately child abuse does not discriminate based on age, sex, race or social class.
- The Children’s Safety Center saw 387 females and 159 males in 2015.
Myth: Child abuse offenders are typically strangers
- Alleged offenders tend to be familiar with their victims.
- Alleged offenders can be parents, stepparents, siblings, girlfriend/boyfriend of parents, and even other relatives.
Myth: Child abuse is only physical
- There are many types of child abuse including:
- Sexual, physical, neglect, witness to domestic violence, threat of harm, and exposure to methamphetamine
- The Children’s Safety Center saw 468 cases of sexual abuse in 2015
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 482-5964