It may not be Child Abuse Awareness Month, but that doesn’t mean child abuse has gone away. This year, we’ve seen a disturbing trend in the cases we’re asked to assess. The total number of cases has increased by 27% compared to the same time last year. Even more alarming, the number of sexual abuse cases has risen by 57% compared to 2024. Statewide data reflects a similar pattern, with a 50% increase in reported sexual abuse cases.
While most child sexual abuse is committed by someone the child and often their family knows and trusts, we are seeing a growing number of cases where the abuse begins online.
A 2022 study published in JAMA found that 22.5% of children had experienced sexual solicitation online, with youth ages 13-17 being the most vulnerable. Although many offenders are still known to the child, an increasing number are individuals the child met through social media platforms.
These platforms often encourage users to expand their networks and use algorithms to connect people with shared interests. Unfortunately, this can also connect predators with vulnerable children. In several recent cases, offenders have traveled long distances to meet children in our community, engaging them in sexual activity and, in some cases, trafficking them for commercial sex.
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for digital safety education, open communication with youth, and vigilant monitoring of online activity. Protecting children from online predators requires all of us to stay informed, alert, and engaged.
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