Myth: Child sexual abuse only takes place in poor families.

Fact: Child sexual abuse takes place at every income level regardless of social standing and family background.

Myth: Usually there is terrible physical violence accompanying child sexual abuse.

Fact: In most reported cases the abuser is not physically violent but rather uses emotional manipulation and blackmail.

Myth: Child abusers are usually psychotic and/or of low intelligence.

Fact: Only a small number of abusers exhibit psychotic tendencies or display low intelligence. Abusers are usually people one mingles with and who seem to be socially well adjusted.

Myth: Sexual abuse generally occurs outside the home and the abusers are strangers.

Fact: Most children are sexually abused in the homes. In a predominant number of cases, the abuser has the trust of children and their families and access to their homes.

Myth: Reporting of child sexual abuse can cause more harm than good.

Fact: If child sexual abuse is not reported then the same abuser may harm other children or may target the same child again.

Courtesy: Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC)