Every walk of life in our society is plagued with child abuse, which comes in many forms. According to the U.S. Health Department, of the children who experienced maltreatment or abuse, over 78% experienced neglect; more than 17% were physically abused; just under 10% were sexually abused; approximately 8% were psychologically maltreated; and just over 2% were medically neglected.
Culturally some rituals are considered abusive. Geographic and demographic differences can influence what is considered abuse as well. However sexual abuse is one that would not be considered socially acceptable in any walk of life. Teenage girls are most affected by this form of abuse. They are more likely than males to experience child sexual abuse. Estimates of prevalence range widely, with studies suggesting that 12-40 percent of females in the U.S. have experienced at least one instance of sexual abuse in childhood or adolescence. (Finkelhor, D.)
The repercussions of abuse if far deeper than the outward signs of physical abuse. In 2007, Stanford University researchers conducted a study of 17,000 adults, those abused as children were more likely to become suicidal; more likely to have heart disease, cancer,