Resources
We’re experts in the field of child maltreatment and trauma. Our resources are meant to help parents, teachers and any community members learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, child abuse signs and ways to prevent abuse.
FAQs
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
“Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors. Touching behaviors may involve touching of the vagina, penis, breasts or buttocks, oral-genital contact, or sexual intercourse. Non-touching behaviors can include voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s naked body), exhibitionism, or exposing the child to pornography.Abusers often do not use physical force, but may use play, deception, threats, or other forms of coercion to engage children and maintain their silence. Abusers frequently employ persuasive and manipulative tactics to keep the child engaged. These tactics—referred to as “grooming”—may include buying gifts or arranging special activities, which can further confuse the victim.”
Who are "typical" child abusers?
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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Studies suggest that as much as 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows and trusts. “Child sexual abuse can take place within the family, by a parent, step-parent, sibling or other relative; or outside the home, for example, by a friend, neighbor, child care person, teacher, or stranger.”
What are the long-term effects of Child Abuse if left untreated?
National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety
Depression and thoughts of suicide
Sexual anxiety and disorders, including having too many or unsafe sexual partners
Difficulty setting safe limits with others (e.g., saying no) and relationship problems
Poor body image and low self-esteem
Unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol, drugs, self-harm, or eating problems. These behaviors are often used to try to hide painful emotions related to the abuse
Books on prevention
Miles Is The Boss Of His Body is a fun, engaging way to explore the potentially difficult topic of kids’ personal safety.
I Said No! uses kid-friendly language and illustrations to help parents and concerned adults give kids guidance they can understand, practice and use.
Fred is your everyday fox child helping to convey an important lesson in a clear, direct way.
A step-by-step guide for parents and carers on how to protect children from sexual abuse through personal Body Safety Education.
This beautifully illustrated book encourages and empowers children to speak up if someone is touching them in away that makes them uncomfortable.
When adorable little Hugo Hippo heads out for a day of fun with his family at The Happy Herd Community Pool, he is confronted by all sorts of opportunities to make choices about his own safety.
In simple, reassuring language, the author explains that a child's body is his or her own.
The book gives parents a great starting point for having important, candid discussions with their children about recognizing and preventing sexual abuse.
Written by a police sergeant, this beautifully illustrated story book includes a separate step-by-step parent's guide providing a realistic view of the danger facing children today.
Presents situations which illustrate when to share and when to keep a secret.
Sensitively broaches the subject of keeping children safe from inappropriate touch.
Now every parent, grandparent, or teacher can explain to a child the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching in a way that young boys and girls can understand.
A book to empower and teach children about personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, secrets and surprises, consent, and respectful relationships
Travel with a pair of friendly fish as they learn about what parts of our bodies we share with others.
A book about body safety
Choose CAC as your Amazon Smile Charity of choice.
To report suspected abuse in Illinois:
Call 911 or 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
Outside of Illinois, call 1-800-422-4453.