Abuse makes victims of all of us; but for a child, especially, it steals the blessing of innocence, replacing it with fear and hurt that can damage young lives and take a lifetime from which to recover.
~Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Myths About Child Abuse

The Sex Offender is Always a Stranger

Some sources report as high as 95% of offenders are someone who the child knows and trusts.  The offender will position his/herself in a place of trust, having access to the child.  The offender may, in fact, be a parent, step-parent, other relative, siblings, babysitter, teachers or family friends.
​

Offenders Look and/or Act a Specific Way

Most people think that all abusers are male, but reports of female perpetrators are increasing.  People are always on the lookout for strange behavior and weird looking people around their children, but the fact is that many offenders are charming and seem to be responsible, compassionate and morally sound.  Some offenders even hold high positions in the community. ​

Children Will Always Tell

While it is true that more education is out about child abuse, according to many experts, children seldom tell.   It is estimated only 1 in 10 children actually report abuse.  There are many reasons of this, but the most common seems to be fear of harm to family either physically or emotionally, or fear of not being believed.
​  ​

Offenders Will Target All Children Nearby

Offenders are very selective about their victims.  Just because he/she may have access to several children in a given place, does not necessarily mean that these children will be at risk.  Experts explain that offenders are known to use a process called grooming, in which they work to gain the child’s friendship and trust and often that of parents as well.

More myths can be found at:
http://www.onewithcourage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/myths-about-abuse1.pdf
http://www.calicocenter.org/about/news/26-the_myths_of_child_abuse/view
https://www.childhelp.org/blog/child-abuse-myths-misconceptions-prevention/