• U.S. studies report that up to one in three girls and one in four boys have been sexually abused by age 18
• Children are most vulnerable to sexual abuse between the ages of 7 and 13.
• Males are reported to be the abusers in up to 95% of cases reported, with many beginning to molest children by the age of 15.
• Of the 90% of child sexual predators who know their victim, approximately 30% are relatives.
• While up to 80% of perpetrators were themselves victims of sexual abuse as a child, over 80% of sexually abused boys never become adult predators.
• Research indicates that for both male and female victims of sex abuse, the average time between the end of the abuse and the time that victims seek treatment is 17 years.

Behavior that may indicate a child is being sexually abused

Some of these behaviors can be part of normal development, however, if you observe several indicators or the behavior appears suddenly, there is reason to be concerned.

• Extreme changes in behavior such as loss of appetite, recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns or fear of the dark.
• Regression to more infantile behavior such as bed-wetting, thumb sucking or excessive crying.
• Difficulty walking or sitting.
• Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals or vaginal discharge.
• Unusual interest in, or exceptional knowledge of, sexual matters.
• Expressing affection in ways inappropriate for the age of the child.
• Fear of or intense aversion to being left alone with a particular person.
• Aggressive, disruptive or delinquent behavior, withdrawal, sudden failure in school.

Reference links

This is a sampling of web sites that our staff find helpful for information about sexual abuse. Family and Children's Services does not endorse any of these web sites.

The Maryland Department of Public Safety provides comprehensive services to the crime victims, including help in navigating the criminal justice process, information on the release dates of offenders and the whereabouts of released offenders. Victim Services also provides financial assistance to victims.

The Maryland Registry for Sex Offenders web site can help you search for convicted sex offenders in your neighborhood or locate a specific offender.

Sexual Trauma Treatment, Advocacy and Recovery Center lists l ocal sexual trauma and treatment information on their web site.

MaleSurvivor is a national organization that provides resources and programs that help men and boys overcome victimization.

Services we offer for victims of sexual abuse and their families

Abuse Treatment Services
helps people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Counseling is offered to victims and their families. Advocacy and support services in the home, school and community are also offered. Not all services are available at each center. Please call for details.

Anne Arundel Abuse Counseling Center

Annapolis Office: 410-571-8341

Child Abuse Treatment Services (CATS)

Falls Road Office: 410-366-8145

Woodlawn Office: 410-281-1334

Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Centers

Westminster Office: 410-876-1233

Bel Air Office: 410-838-9000

Domestic Violence Programs
helps people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Counseling, advocacy and support services are offered to victims and their families. Not all services are available at each center. Please call for details.

Woodlawn Office: 410-281-1334

Westminster Office: 410-876-1233