## **Draft**
**DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER**
*Child Sexual Abuse & Trafficking Can Happen Anywhere • To Anyone • By Anyone*
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**The Reality**
* Affects children of **all races, religions, and income levels**.
* Offenders can be of **all races, religions, and income levels. Sometimes the perpetrators can be doctors, pastors, teachers, coaches, neighbors, parents of friends, family friends or even family** — but that isn’t always the case.
* **Most victims know their abuser**, often someone in a position of perceived authority.
* With increased internet access, **online grooming** is a growing danger — offenders can be strangers who build trust over time before exploitation.
**Statistics (U.S.):**
* **93%** of victims know their abuser.
* **34%** are abused by a family member.
* **1 in 9 girls** & **1 in 20 boys** are abused before 18.
* Over **300,000** children at risk of sexual exploitation yearly.
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**Warning Signs in Children**
* Withdrawal, extreme submissiveness, excessive obedience.
* Persistent apologizing or avoiding requests for help.
* Mood swings, self-harm, sudden clinginess.
* Bedwetting (secondary enuresis) after age-appropriate dryness.
* Regression to earlier behaviors (thumb-sucking, baby-talk).
* Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or urinary discomfort without medical cause.
* Difficulty walking or sitting without explanation.
* Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior.
* Cruelty toward animals or younger children.
* Unexplained gifts, money, electronics.
* Multiple phones or hidden online accounts.
* Frequent absences or unexplained trips.
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**Some signs in Potential Offenders**
* Frequenting places/online groups made specifically for children without having a child of their own.
* Overly interested in a child’s personal life.
* Paying special attention to a particular child.
* Being overly physical with a child (i.e. always placing their hands on the child's back or shoulders, wanting the child to sit on their lap all the time, touching of the legs, stroking the hair etc. Although, it is not uncommon for people to show love through touch, you must pay attention to how it's done. A grandparent may always want a child to sit on their lap and to stroke their hair and it's innocent, but if a family friend does this, it may be highly inappropriate. Trust your gut.)
* Lavish gifts or special attention with no reason.
* Wants to be alone with the child often.
* Uses authority, religion, or mentorship to deflect suspicion.
* Attempts to isolate child from friends/family.
* Builds trust online, encourages secrecy, moves conversations to private platforms.
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**How to Respond**
**Listen & Believe** — children rarely lie about abuse.
**Write it down** — dates, times, behaviors.
**Ask the child immediately when it feels off.**
**Make sure the child knows they aren't in trouble and it is important to tell the truth. Nothing is their fault.**
## **How to report:**
* National Human Trafficking Hotline: **1‑888‑373‑7888** (Text “HELP” to 233733)
* Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: **1‑800‑422‑4453**
* Call **911** if in danger.
*Do not confront the offender — keep yourself and the child safe.*
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**Online Safety Tips**
* Keep personal information private — no full name, address, school, or location sharing.
* Never send photos or videos to strangers.
* Use privacy settings on social media; limit who can see posts.
* Parents should monitor online activity and maintain open conversations about internet use.
* Be cautious with online “friends” who try to build trust quickly, send gifts, or move chats off public platforms.
* Teach children they can say “no” to uncomfortable requests, especially by adults — online or offline.
* If it feels suspicious, it might be. Use your instincts.
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**Prevention**
* Talk openly about safety & boundaries.
* Encourage honesty without fear of punishment or judgement.
* Watch for changes in behavior or mood.
* Stay engaged in children’s daily lives, friendships, and activities.
**Evil has many faces.
Your vigilance can save a life.**
**If you or someone you know are in danger, I hope you find this.**
<3
