Myths & Misconceptions Around Child Sexual Abuse
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to come together as a community to protect children and support families. One of the most powerful ways we can do that is by learning about child sexual abuse (CSA) and letting go of the myths and misconceptions that stand in the way of prevention and healing.
Many of these myths and misconceptions come from a place of fear and discomfort. It’s a scary thought that someone close to or trusted by a child, family, or community could be capable of causing sexual harm to children. In this, myths can become a way for adults to make sense of something that feels unthinkable. This is where knowledge and understanding of the topic of CSA is so important. Misconceived thinking becomes a barrier to CSA prevention and response through sharing of misinformation, unhelpful responses, missed warning signs, and creating cultural barriers to disclosure for children who need safety and support. By replacing myths with facts, we can create safer homes, schools, and communities for every child.
There are many myths and misconceptions but today we will talk about the big 3 that we hear so often.
Myth #1: “Stranger danger” is the biggest risk
Many people believe that children are most at risk from strangers, but this is rarely the case.
Fact: The majority of children who experience sexual abuse are harmed by someone they know and trust (a family member, friend, babysitter, coach, teacher, community member etc). Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) of all sexual offences were committed by an individual known to the child. Of that 88%, 44% were acquaintances (like teachers, coaches, babysitters, etc.), 38% were family members, and the remaining 6% were intimate partners (Statistics Canada, 2012).
Of course, this is a scary reality and that is why the stranger danger myth feels more comforting. We don’t want to believe that those known to us in our homes, communities, and social networks could ever harm children. But, by focusing only on “stranger danger”, we may overlook concerning behaviour from familiar people. Prevention starts by teaching children about safe and unsafe behaviour, okay and not okay touches, not just “safe and unsafe people.” When we talk about boundaries, consent, and respect within all relationships, we give children stronger tools to recognize and speak up about unsafe situations – no matter who is involved.
Myth #2: Only girls are victims of child sexual abuse
Fact: Children of all genders can experience sexual abuse. However, harmful stereotypes and misinformation around gender and child sexual abuse prevalence create barriers for disclosures. In Alberta, 1 in 4 boys and 2 in 3 girls have been sexually abused before they turn 18 (AASAS, 2019). When we assume that child sexual abuse is only prevalent among girls, we create gaps in safety for all children, limiting our ability to prevent harm, to allow all voices to be heard, and to support healing for every young person affected. Every child deserves to know that abuse is never their fault, and that it’s okay to tell if someone hurts or touches them in a way that makes them feel scared, sad, or uncomfortable. Creating open, nonjudgmental conversations about consent and body safety helps all children feel seen and supported. This is the goal of our DCSC education team when we provide preventative education presentations within our region’s schools and youth centres.
Myth #3: Children often lie about sexual abuse
This is one of the most damaging myths of all. Fact: False reports of child sexual abuse are extremely rare. Most children who disclose abuse are telling the truth, and many survivors never disclose at all due to fear, shame, or not being believed.
When adults respond with disbelief or suspicion, it can silence a child forever. Believing children and responding calmly, supportively, and without judgment is one of the most powerful ways we can protect them. Even if you’re unsure of what to do next, you can always start by saying, “I believe you. Thank you for telling me”.
Why this matters
Myths don’t just spread misinformation, they create stigma, fear, and missed opportunities for prevention. By challenging these misconceptions, we move closer to a culture where:
- Children feel safe to talk about their bodies and boundaries
- Adults know how to recognize grooming and unsafe behaviour
- Communities are equipped to respond with compassion and accountability
Knowledge is power. When we replace fear and silence with open, informed conversation, we make it harder for abuse to happen and easier for survivors to heal.
You can make a difference
Every adult has a role to play in preventing child sexual abuse. You can:
- Learn the facts and share them with friends, family, and coworkers
- Teach children about body safety, consent, and safe adults to turn to
- Believe and support children who come forward
- Advocate for safe environments in schools, sports, and community spaces
Together, we can build communities where children are protected, supported, and empowered, and where myths and stigma no longer stand in the way of safety and healing.