Believe, I think the newest numbers are even higher. This is from Wiki:
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse[/ame]
"In North America, for example, approximately 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men were sexually abused when they were children...."
and
"As many as one in three girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused at some point in their childhood...."
Briere, J., Eliot, D.M. Prevalence and Psychological Sequence of Self-Reported Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse in General Population: Child Abuse and Neglecti, 2003, 27 10.
and, this is interesting:
http://www.stopitnow.org/csa_fact_prevalence_decline
Is the prevalence of child sexual abuse declining?
"Yes. According to the most recent National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglecti, figures from 2005-2006 show a
38 percent drop in the number of cases of child sexual abuse reported to CPS investigations and community professionals. The number of sexually abused children decreased from 217,700 in 1993 to 135,300 in 2005-2006...."
more at link
I highly encourage everyone to check out your local Children's Advocacy Center. Most counties now have one and IMO, they are life savers. The staff is focused on two issues concurrently:
1) Preserve evidence and investigate in a manner that will hold up in court
2) Support the hurting child by assessing the level of trauma and providing services
Here's a link to my own "lifeline to sanity" but there will be one in your community:
http://www.cacjc.org/
There are so many ways to help. You can simply donate, attend fundraisers or volunteer. These centers confront an unimaginable horror and show you a pathway through the dark. They stand by the child and family's side throughout the entire process. I feel very fortunate to have had their services and their never-ending support. The people you'll see on this site are almost like family to us. When you look at the staff photos, pay special attention to a woman with the initials, TR. She's stood firmly by our side for 16 years. She is the person who received the very first disclosure. She's an angel.