Today, 175 Texas children will be victims of abuse.

1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before their 18th birthday.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study demonstrates…

• Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to engage in early initiation of smoking, sexual activity, illicit drug use, and suicide.
• Children with multiple traumas have significantly higher rates of heart disease, chronic pulmonary lung disease, hepatitis, depression, and diabetes.

According to the National Institute of Justice, abused and neglected children are…

• 59% more likely to be arrested for juvenile crime.
• 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult.

The National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice estimates 93% of youth in detention reported exposure to previous “adverse” events, including physical and sexual abuse. (CACTX.org)

Every 9 minutes, Child Protective Services substantiates, or finds evidence for, a claim of child sex abuse. (RAINN.org)

From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate that, 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse. (RAINN.org)

The effects of child sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect the victim’s mental health. Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges (RAINN.org):

• About 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse
• About 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults
• About 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults

Among cases of child sexual abuse reported to law enforcement, 93% of perpetrators are known to the victim. (RAINN.org) In Texas, 98% of perpetrators are known to the victim. (CACTX.org)