For Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
RAINN is here to help survivors of child sexual assault understand what happened, recognize its impacts, and get the help and healing they deserve.
We believe you. You are not alone.
Every year, tens of thousands of kids, tweens, and teens experience sexual abuse and assault. RAINN’s statistics offer a glimpse into the severity of the issue, highlighting the importance of our ongoing work to prevent further harm, help survivors heal, and advocate for laws that enable justice.
Statistics: Children & Teens
Child sexual abuse is a widespread issue. Research reveals who’s at risk, how kids are impacted, and who perpetrates this devastating crime.
Understanding What Happened
Do you remember how old you were when you first experienced sexual abuse or assault? Your age and developmental stage were significant factors in how you understood and processed that trauma.
How Age Affects Understanding
- Young children may not have the words or understanding to recognize that what happened was abuse. They might feel confused or have fragmented memories that don’t fully make sense until they’re older. Some survivors carry those memories into adolescence or adulthood before fully realizing what happened. (1)
- Teens and older children may have a better sense that what happened was wrong, but they might still struggle with feelings of shame, self-blame, or fear that no one will believe them. They may also feel pressured to keep the abuse a secret. (1) (2)
You may spend a lifetime processing (and reprocessing) the abuse you survived—and that’s okay. Healing is a journey, and you get to decide which steps to take next.
Identifying Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)
Processing a traumatic experience like child sexual abuse involves “claiming and naming” what happened to you. These articles can help you identify what you went through and place the blame squarely where it belongs: with the perpetrator.
How Trauma Shows Up
When survivors of child sexual abuse carry unprocessed trauma into adulthood, it can continue to affect their mental, emotional, and physical well-being in ways that might not be immediately obvious.
Research shows that unresolved childhood trauma can lead to a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and even chronic physical health problems (2) (3)
If you have experienced any or all of these side effects of child sexual abuse, you are not “crazy”—and healing is possible.
Warning Signs in Young Children
Child sexual abuse often goes unnoticed. Learn the warning signs and how to protect children through early recognition and support.
Warning Signs in Teens
Teens may not recognize abuse when it happens. Learn how to spot the signs of sexual assault and help protect the teens in your life.
Statistics: The Long-Term Impacts of Sexual Violence
Decades of research reveal the harsh and lasting impacts of sexual violence on every person it touches.
Processing Trauma & Starting To Heal
“Processing trauma” is a fancy way of saying “making sense of what happened to you.” As you examine and understand your lived experiences, you empower yourself to reject shame and self-blame, rebuild your self-worth, and exert your personal power. (1)
Healing strengthens your ability to manage triggers and stress, build fulfilling relationships, and regain your sense of control over your life. It’s never too late to start your healing journey.
Redefining Resilience
This learning series helps survivors of CSA understand trauma, move past shame, disclose to loved ones, manage memories, and form trusting relationships.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Chat at hotline.RAINN.org
Text HOPE to 64673
Join Our Community
Join the Fight for a World Free from Sexual Violence
Sign up for inspiring stories, important updates from RAINN, and tools to take action in your community.
Medical Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this site does not constitute medical advice, and RAINN is not a medical expert. If you have further questions after reading this information, please contact a local healthcare professional or hospital.