Child Sexual Abuse: The Reality
This page contains content related to child sexual abuse, which may be distressing or triggering. Whether this topic affects you personally or not, please take care of your emotional well-being. If you feel overwhelmed, we encourage you to pause and reach out for support.
1 in 9 North Dakota children
According to a 2025 study published in Frontiers in Public Health, approximately 11% of children in North Dakota are expected to experience child sexual abuse—equivalent to about 1 in 9 children.
90% of children are sexually abused by someone they know
Research shows that approximately 90% of children who are sexually abused are harmed by someone they know and trust—such as a family member, family friend, coach, teacher, or neighbor. This highlights the importance of awareness, education, and open communication to help protect children and support survivors.
While the public often imagines adults as the primary perpetrators of child sexual abuse, research shows that a large proportion of these offenses—up to 70%—are committed by other minors. This underscores the importance of age-appropriate education, supervision, and early intervention.
We must believe that prevention is possible—because it is.
Every child deserves to grow up safe, respected, and free from harm. By raising awareness, educating communities, and supporting survivors, we can break the cycle of abuse.
Prevention isn’t just a hope—it’s a responsibility, and it starts with us.
Prevention Resources & Activities for Children
Body Safety Poster
Hang this poster in a visible spot—like the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen—as a daily reminder of your child’s body safety rules and use it to spark regular conversations that help you stay actively engaged as a caregiver.
Body Safety Coloring Sheet
This coloring sheet is a fun and creative way to help children learn and remember their body safety rules, while giving caregivers a chance to talk through each concept in a relaxed, age-appropriate way.
Body Safety Activity Packet
This activity pack is a fun and engaging way for children to learn essential body safety concepts through interactive tools like role-playing games, yes/no safety scenarios, and trusted adult activities. It also provides caregivers with meaningful opportunities to guide discussions, build trust, and reinforce key safety messages in a supportive and age-appropriate way.