Sexual Abuse

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that happens without clear, voluntary consent and causes harm or exploitation. It takes many forms and impacts all types of people. Survivors often carry deep psychological wounds that last a lifetime.

Here are a few key things everyone should know:

• Sexual abuse can happen anywhere, like in homes, schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and online.
• Abusers are often people the survivor knows, like family members, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, or peers.
• Sexual abuse includes both physical and nonphysical acts, from unwanted contact to emotional manipulation and digital exploitation.
• Anyone can be affected, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
• The effects of abuse can be long-lasting, leading to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty trusting others, and more.

No matter the form it takes, sexual abuse is a serious violation of a person’s rights and safety. If you or someone you love has endured sexual abuse, know that you’re not alone and support is available.

When you’re ready, we’re here. Get a free case review and learn how we can help.

Definition of Sexual Abuse by Form

Sexual abuse can take many different forms, and not all involve physical contact. In many cases, abuse is carried out through manipulation, intimidation, or digital means.

Here are the most common types of sexual abuse and their definitions:

• Physical sexual abuse: Involves unwanted physical contact, like molestation, sexual assault, or rape
• Verbal sexual abuse: Includes sexually explicit threats, harassment, or language meant to intimidate, humiliate, or gain power
• Emotional or psychological sexual abuse: Uses fear, shame, or manipulation to control or silence the survivor, often making them feel trapped or powerless
• Digital or online sexual abuse: Involves the use of technology or social media to exploit or harm, such as sexual extortion, cyberstalking, or the nonconsensual sharing of explicit images or messages

All forms of sexual abuse are harmful and can deeply affect a survivor’s mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing these different types is the first step in identifying abuse and seeking help.

Sexual Abuse Statistics

Sexual abuse is a global crisis that affects millions of people every year. Understanding the scope of the problem helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and reinforce the urgent need for prevention, support, and legal action.

Sexual abuse statistics include:

• 1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• In the U.S., 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men report being raped at some point in their lives, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
• Globally, 1 in 10 children experiences sexual abuse before turning 18, underscoring the immediate need for stronger child protection measures.

These numbers represent real people — survivors who deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered to seek justice.

If you or someone you love has been affected by sexual abuse, call (877) 684-0487 right now for a free, no-obligation case review. We’re here to listen and help in any way we can.

Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can happen in many different situations and environments, often where people should feel the safest. Victims may be harmed by authority figures, caregivers, or institutions that failed to protect them.

Below are some of the most common types of sexual abuse. Understanding the different types can help survivors recognize what happened to them and take steps toward healing and justice.

Child Abuse

Child sexual abuse involves any sexual act with a minor, including physical contact, exploitation, or exposure to inappropriate content. Children can’t legally give consent, which makes any sexual behavior directed at them abusive.

In most cases, the abuser is someone the child knows, like a family member, teacher, coach, or religious leader. Abusers often use grooming tactics to gain the child’s trust, making it harder for victims to recognize the abuse or speak out.

Examples of childhood sexual abuse include:

• Exposure to pornography or sexual acts
• Inappropriate sexual touching or fondling
• Online grooming or sextortion
• Sexual assault or rape
• Sexualized language or gestures

Signs of child sexual abuse include changes in behavior, anxiety, nightmares, or other signs of emotional distress.

Child sexual abuse can lead to lifelong trauma, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Survivors may not disclose what happened until years later, and that’s okay. You still have rights.

Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has been accused of failing to protect children from sexual abuse by troop leaders, volunteers, and other adults within the organization. Tens of thousands of survivors have come forward with stories of abuse.

Many of these cases involved grooming, secrecy, cover-ups, and threats that left survivors feeling powerless to report what happened.

In 2020, the BSA filed for bankruptcy as part of a massive legal response to the abuse, and a $2.4 billion settlement trust was created to compensate survivors. It’s one of the largest sexual abuse settlements in U.S. history.

Church & Clergy Abuse

Sexual abuse by clergy is a devastating betrayal of trust. Survivors often endure not only the trauma of the abuse itself, but also deep spiritual and emotional harm. Religious institutions often failed to protect victims or even covered up the abuse.

Clergy abuse can involve priests, pastors, ministers, deacons, and other faith leaders who use their authority to exploit, intimidate, or silence victims, many of whom are children or vulnerable adults.

Widespread sexual abuse has been reported in the:

• Catholic Church
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church)
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Other religious institutions

Many survivors struggle with guilt, confusion, or fear of coming forward, especially when the abuser is a respected figure in the community. But speaking out is a powerful act of reclaiming control and seeking justice.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse by a religious leader, you’re not alone. Get a free case review to get the help and justice you deserve.

By Celebrities

Over the past decade, brave survivors have come forward to expose abuse by powerful figures in the entertainment, media, and sports worlds.

Some high-profile individuals accused or convicted of sexual abuse include:

• Sean “Diddy” Combs”
• Bill Cosby
• R. Kelly
• Harvey Weinstein

When celebrities or public figures commit sexual abuse, survivors are often pressured to stay silent. Fame, wealth, and public influence can allow abusers to avoid accountability while survivors face potential backlash, harassment, or damage to their careers.

But coming forward can be an important step toward healing and justice.

By Doctors

Health care providers are trusted to care for their patients, not harm them. When medical professionals commit sexual abuse, it’s a violation that can be both physically invasive and emotionally devastating.

Medical sexual abuse may involve inappropriate touching during exams, unnecessary genital contact, performing procedures without consent, or exploiting patients under sedation or in vulnerable states.

Health care providers accused or convicted of sexual abuse include:

• Dr. Reginald Archibald
• Damien Knighton
• Dr. Darius Paduch
• Dr. Derrick Todd

Many of these cases exposed widespread failures by hospitals and universities that ignored complaints, failed to act, or actively covered up abuse.

At Northwell Health Sleep Center, a former employee hid spy cameras in restrooms, filming patients and staff without their consent. Now, victims of this privacy violation can file legal claims against the health care system.

Elder Sexual Abuse

Elder sexual abuse is an underreported but deeply serious issue, affecting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. It involves any nonconsensual sexual activity inflicted on an older adult.

This abuse can occur in private homes, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes and is often carried out by caregivers, staff members, or even other residents.

Elder sexual abuse may include:

• Forced nudity or sexual acts
• Harm to individuals with dementia who cannot consent
• Inappropriate touching or groping
• Sexual comments, harassment, or exposure

Survivors may show signs of trauma, withdrawal, fear of certain individuals, or unexplained injuries, but these signs are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for factors related to aging.

Families and loved ones play a critical role in recognizing and reporting elder abuse and advocating for accountability. Institutions that fail to protect their residents can and should be held responsible.

If you suspect an elderly loved one has been sexually abused, call (877) 684-0487 right now for a free case review. Justice and protection are possible.

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are marketed as safe and family-friendly, but for some passengers and crew members, they become the setting for sexual abuse.

Reports have revealed that cruise lines often fail to properly screen staff, investigate allegations, or notify authorities when abuse occurs on board. Survivors have reported abuse by crew members, security staff, and even fellow passengers.

These assaults can happen in private cabins, crew-only areas, or after victims are isolated or intoxicated. Many survivors face barriers to justice due to jurisdictional issues, corporate cover-ups, and a lack of accountability.

Rideshare Services

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made travel more convenient, but they’ve also been linked to thousands of sexual abuse reports. Passengers, often riding alone or late at night, may be vulnerable to abuse by drivers.

Rideshare sexual abuse may involve:

• Driving to unsafe or off-route locations
• Inappropriate touching or groping
• Locking doors to restrict escape
• Rape or physical assault during or after the ride

Uber and Lyft have faced lawsuits alleging they failed to screen drivers properly or respond to complaints.

Schools & Colleges

Sexual abuse in schools and colleges can involve teachers, coaches, staff, or fellow students. It may happen during tutoring, extracurricular activities, or on campus, and is too often ignored or covered up by school officials.

Students deserve to be safe and supported, and schools that fail to protect them must be held accountable.

Troubled Teen Industry

The “troubled teen industry” includes boot camps, wilderness programs, residential treatment centers, and boarding schools that claim to help at-risk youth. But behind closed doors, many of these facilities have been accused of sexual assault.

Teens in these programs are often isolated from family, denied basic rights, and placed under the control of unlicensed or abusive staff.

Allegations of sexual abuse in the troubled teen industry include:

• Peer-to-peer abuse encouraged or ignored by staff
• Staff members assaulting residents
• Strip searches or forced nudity as punishment
• Use of fear, isolation, or restraints to control victims

Well-known programs named in abuse reports include Provo Canyon School, Diamond Ranch Academy, and others exposed by survivor advocates like Paris Hilton.

No matter where, when or how the abuse happened, we’re here to listen and help. Get started right now with a free case review.

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can affect survivors in many ways: emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. Because abuse is often hidden or silenced, recognizing the warning signs is an important step in protecting survivors and helping them get support.

Possible signs of sexual abuse include:

• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
• Anxiety, depression, or signs of post-traumatic stress
• Avoiding touch or showing fear around physical contact
• Decline in academic or work performance
• Fear of certain people, places, or being left alone
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Self-harm or talk of suicide
• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or bleeding
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

These signs may not always point to abuse, but they should never be ignored. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out for help.

Who Commits Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse can be committed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, profession, or social status. In most cases, the abuser is someone the survivor knows and trusts. This makes the abuse even more damaging and harder to report.

Abusers may include:

• Caregivers in nursing homes or residential programs
• Doctors, therapists, or other medical professionals
• Family members or relatives
• Friends, romantic partners, or acquaintances
• Religious leaders or spiritual advisors
• Rideshare drivers, coworkers, or employers
• Teachers, coaches, or school staff

Abusers may use tactics like grooming, threats, guilt, or shame to silence their victims. Many survivors are made to feel responsible for what happened, but abuse is never the victim’s fault.

Contrary to common belief, most abusers are not strangers lurking in the dark — they’re individuals who use their position of power or trust to manipulate and control.

“People should know that sexual abuse of children is not just happening in Hollywood, in the media, or in the halls of Congress. This is happening everywhere. Wherever there is a position of power, there seems to be potential for abuse.”
– Mckayla M., Sexual Abuse Survivor

If someone used their position of power to abuse you or a loved one, help is available. Call (877) 684-0487 right now for a free case review.

Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

The psychological impact of sexual abuse can be long-lasting. For many survivors, the trauma doesn’t end when the abuse stops — it can continue to affect emotional well-being, mental health, and relationships for years.

Understanding these long-term effects is essential for supporting survivors and breaking the stigma around sexual abuse, allowing them to heal.

Common long-term effects of sexual abuse include:

• Depression and anxiety: Feelings of sadness, numbness, or constant worry are common and may interfere with daily life.
• Difficulty with trust and intimacy: Survivors may find it hard to form close relationships or feel safe in intimate settings.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety, often triggered by reminders of the abuse.
• Low self-esteem: Many survivors struggle with shame, guilt, or low self-worth, even though the abuse was never their fault.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: The emotional toll of abuse can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially without proper support and mental health care.

Everyone heals at their own pace, and no reaction to trauma is wrong. With the right emotional, medical, and legal support, recovery is possible.

Why Sexual Abuse Survivors Don’t Always Report

Many survivors of sexual abuse never report what happened to them, and it’s not because the abuse wasn’t real. There are many deeply personal, emotional, and social reasons why someone may choose to stay silent, sometimes for years.

Common reasons survivors don’t report sexual abuse include:

• Concern about how others, like family or the community will react
• Dependence on the abuser financially, emotionally, or otherwise
• Distrust of law enforcement or legal systems
• Emotional pain of reliving the trauma
• Fear of not being believed or retaliation from the abuser
• Lack of awareness that what happened was abuse, especially in childhood
• Shame, guilt, or self-blame

For many, speaking up can feel overwhelming. Some survivors may only come forward after hearing about others with similar experiences, or when they’re finally in a safe place to process what happened.

At the Victim Advocacy Center, we believe survivors. We’re here to listen without judgment, provide compassionate support, and help you explore your legal options when you’re ready.

Getting Help After Sexual Abuse

Healing from sexual abuse looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to begin. Whether the abuse happened recently or long ago, survivors deserve support, understanding, and access to resources.

There are many ways survivors can begin the healing process, including:

• Accessing medical care, therapy, and counseling: Professional help can address both physical and emotional trauma. Therapists who specialize in trauma or abuse can provide a safe space to process what happened.
• Reporting the abuse and exploring legal options: Survivors can choose to report to law enforcement, file a civil lawsuit, or both, either immediately or when they feel ready.
• Joining support groups and survivor networks: Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and help rebuild trust and confidence.

The Victim Advocacy Center helps survivors connect with trusted sexual abuse attorneys, victim resources, and compassionate support — all at no cost. We’re here to listen, guide, and stand by your side every step of the way.

Get a free case review to get answers, explore your options, and connect with the help you deserve. You are not alone.

Legal Options for Survivors

Survivors of sexual abuse have legal options, whether they want to hold abusers accountable in the criminal justice system, seek financial compensation through a civil lawsuit, or both.

No matter the types of sexual abuse involved or what path a survivor chooses, taking legal action can be a powerful step toward justice and healing.

Types of legal action include:

• Civil lawsuits: Allow survivors to sue abusers or negligent institutions (such as schools, churches, or employers) for damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Criminal charges: Involve prosecutors pursuing criminal penalties such as jail time, probation, or sex offender registration for abusers. This process is handled by the state, not the survivor.

However, each state has different statutes of limitations, or time limits, for filing a criminal or civil sexual abuse case. Some states have extended or eliminated these deadlines, especially for child sexual abuse.

Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still have time to take legal action.

A sexual abuse attorney can explain your legal rights in plain language, help you understand your state’s laws and time limits, fight to hold abusers and institutions accountable, and more.

Get Help Seeking Justice

Sexual abuse impacts millions worldwide, but through education, support, and legal action, we can create a safer future. Survivors deserve empathy, justice, and access to the resources they need to heal.

The Victim Advocacy Center is here to help you every step of the way. We connect survivors with trusted sexual abuse attorneys, emotional support, and survivor-focused resources — all at no cost.

Call (877) 684-0487 right now or get a free case review. You are not alone. Healing and justice are possible.