Despite the known fact that childhood sexual assault happens, what most aren’t aware of is the alarming rate at which it occurs. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 9 minutes the Child Protective Services (CPS) is able to substantiate claims of child sexual abuse. What’s even more disconcerting is the fact that 93% of the perpetrators are known to the victims; they’re family members or acquaintances.
Fast facts about Childhood Sexual Assault or Abuse in Illinois:
- The data collected by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) showed that Illinois had 28,751 victims of child abuse in 2017; 4,140 of whom were sexually abused.
- In 2015, there were 29,993 child abuse victims in Illinois, of whom, 15% were victims of sexual abuse.
- According to Child Trends, sexual abuse was the third most rampant maltreatment type in Illinois in 2015.
- In 2018, the Illinois Attorney General alleged that around 700 priests in the State were accused of child sexual abuse but only 185 clergy members were identified.
- ProPublica Illinois reported in March 2020, following the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, Child Abuse hotline reports dropped from around 6,650 calls a week to 3,675 calls. According to the article, the decrease doesn’t necessarily mean less abuse but could mean the contrary; children are now at greater risk for abuse as families are strained over work and health problems.
Fast facts about Child Sexual Abuse and Assault in the US:
- According to a study submitted to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), In 2018, 677,529 children were abused; of whom, 47,124 were sexually abused.
- The statistics collected by RAINN showed that of the victims of sexual abuse under 18; 66% were aged 12 to 17 and 34% were aged 12.
- Victims of child sexual abuse are 4 times more likely to develop PTSD as adults and symptoms of drug use than non-victims.
- Victims of child sexual abuse are 3 times more likely to develop depression as adults compared to non-victims.
- Between 2008 and 2012, people in poverty have experienced a 267% higher incidence of sexual assault/rape victimization than those with higher incomes
While these numbers are surprisingly high, it’s important to note that a lot of cases are still left unreported; only 230 out of 1,000 cases are reported to the police, and about 5 out of 1,000 rapists will be incarcerated. There are a lot of contributing factors why sexual abuse cases are left unreported, among which are the following:
- Fear of retaliation from the abuser;
- Distrust with police action – would not and could not do anything;
- Reported to a different authority;
- Believed the abuse was irrelevant;
- Didn’t want the abuser to get into trouble.
If you suspect a case of child abuse or risk for abuse, you may call the DCFS 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117. The DCFS advises calling 911 first if the child is in immediate danger.
In 2017, the Illinois Senate abolished the “statute of limitations for all felony child sexual abuse and assault crimes.” Victims and survivors of child sexual assault are now able to pursue criminal charges against their offenders without the prior time limitations. Criminal lawsuits, if won, will result in the incarceration and fines of the abuser; however, the fines will not be substantial enough to cover medical expenses you may need or have already spent. Pursuing a civil lawsuit, on the other hand, if won, will result in the damages (monetary payment) which will help the victims afford medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and other applicable compensation.
The path to healing will always depend on the victims and survivors. But if you or a loved one decide to seek legal counsel for a child sexual assault or abuse case, rest assured that our attorneys here at America’s Consumer Lawyer will dedicate the time and effort to win your case. We believe in accessible, quality representation, and in holding abusers – even institutions – accountable.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put people first.
Our unique formula has earned us over 1,050 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 150 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
