Working to reduce child sexual abuse by encouraging education, awareness and prevention programs throughout the Commonwealth.
Child sexual abuse affects us all
Victims
The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that, nationally, over a third of all sexual assaults reported to law enforcement involved a victim under age 12. One in four girls is sexually abused before age 14; one in six boys is sexually abused before age 16 (Hopper, J., 1998). Kentucky’s Cabinet for Families and Children cited 4,872 cases of reported child sexual abuse during 2002; 1,031 were substantiated. This number was almost identical in 2001. Only one in 10 victims ever discloses the abuse (Janssen, 1984). Studies also reveal that child victims of abuse are at greater risk of being adult victims and/or perpetrators.
Offenders
One study found that each offender was responsible for an average of 106 completed and 111 attempted molestations (Abel, Mittelman & Becker, 1985). Another found even higher rates of 470 molestation rates per offender (Freeman-Longo and Wall, 1986). Studies also revealed that 70% of child sex offenders had between one and nine victims; 23% had 10 to 40 victims (Abel, G. et al, 1987).
What is the CSAEP?
The Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Board was created in 1984 by KRS 15.905 for the "coordination and exchange of information on the establishment and maintenance of prevention programs." (KRS 15.920) The Board also oversees the Child Victims Trust Fund (CVTF), a non-profit program that provides local communities with funding for child sexual abuse prevention programs and reimbursement for the portion of child sexual abuse medical exam expenses not covered by Medicaid or private insurance. The CVTF prevention activities are funded through private donations, while most of the administrative costs of the Board and CVTF are absorbed by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.
Goals of the CSAEP Board
- promote public and professional education on the nature and scope of child sexual abuse and related issues, indicators, laws, roles and resources.
- promote awareness that it is adults’ responsibility to provide a safe community for children.
- reduce the incidence and impact of child sexual abuse by promoting, supporting and/or funding effective programs; and
- establish procedures to generate and oversee the effective and efficient use of CVTF monies.
How can I help?
"I Care About Kids" license plate
KY Tax Refund Check-off
Make a private, tax-deductible donation or send a contribution to:
Child Victims Trust Fund
Office of the Attorney General
1024 Capital Center Dr., Suite 200
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 696-5312 or
(800) 372-2551
cvtf@ag.ky.gov