Child sexual abuse & sports: Resources

The most recent study of teacher-student sexual abuse commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education found that up to seven percent of all middle and high school students were the targets of physical sexual abuse by teachers, coaches and other adults working in the school system. Those statistics put the number of young teens sexually abused by teachers and other school adults in the millions.

The following organizations offer information, tips and support online:

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers information to help your child have a safe and fun sports experience:

• Safe to Compete is a program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that provides access to resources to help youth-sports organizations protect child athletes from sexual abuse, including tips for protecting child athletes from sexual abuse, including the following:

Learn "red flag"behaviors: While these warning signs do not always indicate abuse, they do cross appropriate athlete-coach boundaries:

1. Spending one-on-one time with children such as in private practice sessions.
2. Singling youth out for special attention or gift giving.
3. Touching children in ways not related to training for the sport.
4. Telling youth sexual or inappropriate jokes and stories.
5. Commenting on children's appearances when not related to the sport.

RAINN The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it's not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org. Both are free, available 24/7, and anonymous.

• Information for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Darkness to Light works to prevent child sexual abuse by raising awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.

The statistics are shocking: One in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. The median age is 9. Child sexual abuse is the second most costly victim crime - second only to murder. 17 in 100,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer. 1 in 68 with autism. 1 in 10 will be sexually abused. Sexual abuse is preventable.

• The 5 Steps to Protecting our Children
• Tools for Parents and Individuals
• Tools for Youth-serving Organizations
• Resources and Support for Survivors
• Child sexual abuse prevention training

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

The Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S., its territories, and Canada, the Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages. The Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

Prevent Child Abuse America is dedicated to providing information on child abuse and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

CDC: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-serving Organizations: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-serving Organizations: Getting Started on Policies and Procedures

Stop It Now! prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. Provides support, information and resources to keep children safe and create healthier communities.