According to RAINN, a child can never, in any situation, consent to any form of sexual activity. When someone engages in sexual behavior with a child, it is a crime that can have lasting emotional and physical effects.
Unfortunately, childhood rape is not a rare occurrence and is often carried out by a trusted loved one. This can cause deep shame and emotional turmoil, preventing a child from speaking out against the abuse. Find local resources where you can report suspicions of sexual abuse and find support resources for kids in crisis.
Call the hotline right away to report child abuse. Referral specialists are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you suspect a child has been raped, call the 24-hour hotline for immediate assistance. Callers are referred to community support resources, while maintaining complete confidentiality.
According to Mercy Medical Center, you should follow these steps to ensure you get the care you need after an assault:
You can expect the following when you seek treatment through the HAVEN program at Mercy Medical Center: