Child Sexual Abuse: What Every Parent and Community Needs to Know

At Moses Movement, we believe prevention is possible—but it starts with truth.

Child sexual abuse is not just a statistic—it’s a reality affecting millions of children across the country. As sobering as this topic may be, turning away isn’t an option. As followers of Christ, protectors of the vulnerable, and builders of trauma-informed communities, we must face the facts with both wisdom and compassion.

Here’s what you need to know—and how you can be part of the solution.

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse includes any sexual activity with a child under 18 by an adult or older adolescent—including touching and non-touching behaviors. This can happen through:

• Fondling or inappropriate touching

• Penetration (oral, vaginal, or anal)

• Exposing oneself to a child

• Showing a child sexual images or videos

• Asking a child to produce sexual content

• Exploiting children online or through trafficking

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It can happen in person or virtually. And in most cases—it happens by someone the child knows and trusts.

How Widespread Is the Problem?

According to the CDC, at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse at some point during childhood. Many more cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or manipulation by the perpetrator.

This is not a rare or distant issue. It’s happening in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and online spaces all around us.

What Are the Long-Term Effects?

Child sexual abuse is deeply traumatic—and without proper intervention, it can lead to a range of lifelong challenges, including:

• Depression, anxiety, and PTSD

• Substance use and addiction

• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• Risky sexual behavior or re-victimization

• Academic struggles and social withdrawal

• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining healthy relationships

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But here’s the hope: Healing is possible. With early intervention, trauma-informed care, and safe community, survivors can break free from cycles of pain and reclaim their lives.

How Can We Prevent It?

At Moses Movement, we believe prevention is a calling. Here’s how you can help protect children in your life and community:

1. Start Conversations Early

Teach children about body safety, consent, and how to recognize unsafe situations. Use clear, age-appropriate language. Reinforce that they can always come to you.

2. Watch for Grooming

Abuse rarely starts with force. Predators often "groom" children with attention, gifts, secrets, or inappropriate touch. Learn the red flags and stay vigilant.

3. Create Safe Spaces

Whether at home, church, or school—make sure your environment prioritizes trauma-informed care and healthy boundaries. Screen volunteers, have clear policies, and never allow one-on-one unsupervised access.

4. Believe and Support

If a child shares something that seems off, believe them and act. Report abuse immediately. Your response could change the trajectory of their life.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Prevention is a community effort. Share resources. Speak up. Be the advocate. Your courage creates safety for others.

Hope After Harm

We serve a God who “binds up the brokenhearted” and “gives beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61). If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse, know this: You are not alone. You are not too far gone. And you are not too broken to be healed.

There is life after trauma—and we’re here to walk with you.

Download Our Free Resources

Visit mosesmvmt.org/resources to download our:

• Body Safety Conversation Guide

• Internet Safety Checklist

• Understanding Grooming & Red Flags

  
  

You can also find information on trauma-informed care, healing after abuse, and how to build a safer church and community.

🤝 Join the Movement

Together, we can raise up a generation of children who know their worth, their rights, and their voices.

Because prevention is protection, and education is freedom.