Who is Involved?
"Is this really relevant to me? Things like this don't happen in Christian homes." It comes as a surprise to many that sexual abuse is prevalent and far-reaching. Sexual abuse happens to children and teenagers of every class, culture, race, religion. Both males and females are victims of abuse, and Christian families are not exempt. Children are abused by immediate family members, relatives, family friends, boyfriends, babysitters, neighbors, teachers, and strangers. Often the abuser appears quite "normal" and it is much more common for a child to be abused by someone they know and trust, rather than by a stranger. Sexual abuse by siblings is more common than many people believe. Some perpetrators are recognized as upstanding members of society and may be well-known leaders in the community or church.