Family Molestation: More Common Than You Think in the USA
When people hear the word "molestation," their minds often leap to strangers. But the painful reality is that most abuse happens within a child’s immediate circle—and frequently, within the family itself. According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Crimes Against Children Research Center, about 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser, and 34% of offenders are family members. This includes biological relatives, stepparents, siblings, cousins, and other trusted adults. Abuse that happens in the home is particularly damaging because it violates the foundational trust that children rely on for safety and development.
Family molestation often goes unreported. Children may not speak out due to fear, shame, confusion, or manipulation by the abuser. A National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) report found that only 12% of child sexual abuse is ever reported to authorities. Survivors are frequently told to stay silent “for the sake of the family,” and in some cases, they are gaslit or blamed. This silence allows generational trauma to fester. Studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse is linked to a higher risk of depression (39–57%), PTSD (30–50%), substance abuse, and suicidal ideation later in life (National Child Traumatic Stress Network).
Healing from family molestation requires not only personal courage but also community education and systemic support. Survivors need trauma-informed counseling and environments where they are believed and empowered. Families need to prioritize conversations around bodily autonomy, consent, and emotional safety. Prevention starts with awareness. Schools, pediatricians, faith leaders, and caretakers all play a role in ensuring children know the difference between healthy affection and abuse—and that it’s safe to speak up.
If you or someone you know is being abused or is a survivor of family molestation, please know you are not alone. Confidential help is available through these resources:
Blessings,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
When people hear the word "molestation," their minds often leap to strangers. But the painful reality is that most abuse happens within a child’s immediate circle—and frequently, within the family itself. According to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Crimes Against Children Research Center, about 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser, and 34% of offenders are family members. This includes biological relatives, stepparents, siblings, cousins, and other trusted adults. Abuse that happens in the home is particularly damaging because it violates the foundational trust that children rely on for safety and development.
Family molestation often goes unreported. Children may not speak out due to fear, shame, confusion, or manipulation by the abuser. A National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) report found that only 12% of child sexual abuse is ever reported to authorities. Survivors are frequently told to stay silent “for the sake of the family,” and in some cases, they are gaslit or blamed. This silence allows generational trauma to fester. Studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse is linked to a higher risk of depression (39–57%), PTSD (30–50%), substance abuse, and suicidal ideation later in life (National Child Traumatic Stress Network).
Healing from family molestation requires not only personal courage but also community education and systemic support. Survivors need trauma-informed counseling and environments where they are believed and empowered. Families need to prioritize conversations around bodily autonomy, consent, and emotional safety. Prevention starts with awareness. Schools, pediatricians, faith leaders, and caretakers all play a role in ensuring children know the difference between healthy affection and abuse—and that it’s safe to speak up.
If you or someone you know is being abused or is a survivor of family molestation, please know you are not alone. Confidential help is available through these resources:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | www.rainn.org
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) | www.childhelp.org
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): www.nsvrc.org
- Darkness to Light (education and prevention nonprofit): www.d2l.org
Blessings,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
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