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Childhood Sexual Abuse

Dr. Zohar Sa'ar, Director of the Department for the Treatment of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse, National Social Work Service, Ministry of Health;  Yifat Pollak Cohen, M.S.W., Senior Director, Department for the Treatment of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse, National Social Work Service, Ministry of Health
1 June 2026

Childhood sexual abuse refers to any behavior of a sexual nature directed toward a child, which constitutes a serious violation of bodily and emotional boundaries. These offenses are most often committed by someone known or close to the child and may include inappropriate physical contact, exposure to sexual content, verbal harassment, and online abuse.

Warning signs of sexual abuse in children may include:

  • Physical signs, such as injuries or unexplained bruises that raise suspicion.
  • Emotional and behavioral changes, such as sudden shifts in behavior.
  • Social withdrawal and decline in academic functioning.
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns, and age-inappropriate sexual behavior.

Possible long-term effects of abuse may include:

  • Difficulties with emotional regulation.
  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Challenges in relationships in adulthood.

Treatment and support

Professional treatment for childhood sexual abuse includes individual, family, and group therapy, as well as trauma-focused therapies. Government support services and crisis hotlines are available to provide assistance.

Mandatory reporting

It is important to know that in Israel there is a legal obligation to report suspected sexual abuse of children, and laws protecting minors ensure their rights. Survivors should also know that it is possible to file a complaint even many years after the abuse. In addition, when the abuse occurred before the age of 18, the statute of limitations—ranging between 10 and 15 years depending on the type of offense—begins from the moment the survivor reaches the age of 18.

Prevention and education

Preventing child sexual abuse begins with education about healthy sexual development and raising awareness among children, parents, and adults in their environment. Preventive steps include teaching healthy boundaries, encouraging open communication, and ensuring online safety.

Most importantly: responsibility for the abuse always lies with the perpetrator, and recovery is possible at any age.

Types of Sexual Abuse in Childhood

There are different types of sexual abuse in childhood, which can be expressed in various ways and behaviors. It is important to be aware of these types in order to identify and respond appropriately:

  • Physical abuse involving inappropriate sexual contact: Any sexual contact with a child’s body, such as touching intimate areas or other sexual behaviors involving physical contact.
  • Exposure to age-inappropriate sexual content: Showing pornography to children, intentionally exposing them to sexual activity of others, or sharing sexual content that is not appropriate for the child’s age.
  • Sexual verbal harassment: Sexual comments, remarks, or jokes directed at a child, conversations about sexual topics in an age-inappropriate manner, or sexual propositions.
  • Online sexual abuse: Contacting children for sexual purposes through social media or apps, soliciting the child to send sexual images or videos—or sending such content to them—along with exposure to sexual content online.
  • Photography or distribution of sexual content: Photographing children in intimate or sexual contexts, using children’s images in sexual contexts, or distributing sexual content involving children.
  • Group sexual abuse: A sexual act carried out under coercion by more than one perpetrator, in the presence of another person or persons who assist or observe.
  • Sexual abuse involving psychoactive substances (“date rape drugs”): After ingestion of such substances, the victim may experience confusion, weakness, temporary paralysis, and memory loss. In cases of suspected drug-facilitated assault, it is important to immediately go to a hospital acute care center for appropriate treatment.

Important to know

Important to know

The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, never with the victim. If you have experienced abuse, you are not to blame for what happened.

Childhood sexual abuse refers to any action or behavior of a sexual nature directed toward a minor. Sexual abuse constitutes a serious violation of bodily and emotional boundaries and can leave a significant impact on the lives of survivors. Most cases of child sexual abuse are committed by someone known to the child, and often even someone close to them, which makes coping especially complex. In many cases, children who experience abuse feel confusion, fear, and shame, and may carry these feelings for many years.

Childhood sexual abuse exists across all sectors of society, all types of families, and all ages, and is more common than many people realize. It is important to know that there are ways to cope, there are options for receiving help, and recovery can begin at any age. If you have experienced abuse, or if you know of a child in your environment who has experienced such harm, it is important to seek support and assistance.

Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, never with the victim or survivor. If you have experienced abuse, you are not to blame for what happened.

Important to note

Important to note

Sexual abuse of minors is prohibited by law and includes any act carried out on a child without their free and full consent, or any act based on exploitation of power imbalance, age difference, authority, or dependency. Children under the age of 16, which is defined in Israel as the age of consent, cannot provide full and informed consent to sexual activity.

Warning signs identification

Children may respond differently to abuse, so it is important to be familiar with the signs that should be noted in order to identify abuse as early as possible. The presence of these signs does not necessarily indicate sexual abuse, but it does require further assessment with a professional who specializes in the field.

Physical signs

  • Injuries to the genital area or buttocks.
  • Bruises on the body that raise suspicion.
  • Infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Difficulty walking or sitting.
  • Sudden flinching or withdrawal when a child is touched.

Behavioral and emotional signs

  • Sudden changes in behavior, such as anxiety attacks, new fears, withdrawal, anger outbursts, or unexplained crying.
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
  • Avoidance or fear of specific places or encounters with certain people.
  • Developmental regression, such as returning to earlier behaviors (e.g., bedwetting).
  • Social and academic withdrawal, including a sudden decline in school performance or reduced social interactions.
  • Age-inappropriate sexual behavior.
  • Repeated complaints of pain without a medical cause.
  • Unusual secrecy or fear of talking about a specific person, or sudden withdrawal from family or friends.
  • Persistent sadness or depression.

Possible effects of childhood abuse

The effects of childhood sexual abuse vary from person to person. Some effects may appear immediately after the abuse, while others may emerge later in life. It is important to emphasize that not every survivor will develop all of the difficulties described below, and some survivors are able to cope with what they experienced in childhood and function in adulthood alongside the impact of the abuse.

  • Difficulties with emotional regulation: Difficulty managing intense emotions, challenges in calming oneself independently, or experiencing disproportionate emotional reactions.
  • Chronic anxiety and depression: Persistent feelings of worry, fear, sadness, or hopelessness that may intensify during certain periods of life.
  • Negative self-perception: Deeply rooted beliefs of low self-worth, guilt, or shame that affect life choices and behavior in adulthood, such as in relationships, at work, and in self-treatment.
  • Post-traumatic stress and complex PTSD: Avoidance of reminders of the abuse, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or recurring nightmares even years after the event.

  • Long-term trust difficulties: Persistent mistrust and difficulty trusting others or forming secure relationships.
  • Intimacy challenges: Feelings of discomfort in intimate situations and various difficulties in romantic relationships.
  • Repetitive relationship patterns: A tendency to enter unhealthy relationships or repeat harmful relational dynamics.
  • Parenting difficulties: Unique challenges that may arise when survivors become parents themselves.

  • Persistent avoidance: Avoidance of situations, places, or people that trigger memories of the abuse.
  • Harmful behaviors: substance use disorders, eating disorders, or other risky behaviors used as ways to cope with emotional pain.
  • Chronic self-harm: Long-term patterns of intentional self-injury as a coping strategy.

  • Work-related difficulties: Challenges in maintaining stable employment or realizing professional potential.
  • Chronic health difficulties: Increased risk of a range of physical and mental health conditions.
  • Impact on quality of life: A general reduction in the ability to enjoy different aspects of life.

Despite the significant effects, professional treatment and appropriate support for children who have experienced abuse, as well as for their parents, can greatly assist in coping with the trauma. Recovery is possible at any age, and it is never too late to seek help. If you recognize some of these signs in yourself or in someone close to you, it is recommended to seek professional support.

Coping and Treatment

Seeking professional treatment is an important step in the recovery process. The earlier treatment is provided, close to the time of the abuse, the more it may reduce or prevent long-term effects. If you experienced abuse in childhood, it is important to know that help is available at any age, even if many years have passed since the event. There are many ways to cope with childhood trauma, and it is important to acknowledge your feelings.

Common treatment options include:

  • Individual psychological therapy: A safe space to process traumatic experiences and develop coping skills.
  • Family therapy: Aimed at helping the entire family cope with the consequences of abuse experienced by a child.
  • Group therapy: Allows meeting others with similar experiences and reduces feelings of isolation.
  • Expressive therapies: To process experiences that are difficult to express in words, using art, music, drama, or movement therapy.
  • Trauma-focused therapy: Specialized approaches such as EMDR or CBT.

Important to know

Important to know

After a child reports abuse, or if you suspect that your child has been harmed, it is very important to seek an immediate initial consultation with available support hotlines and assistance services.

Support and assistance services

  • Protection Centers (Beit Lin Centers): Protection centers for children and adolescents who have experienced various forms of abuse, including sexual abuse.
  • Ministry of Health: Mental health clinics provide emotional treatment for children who have been harmed. In addition, there is an arrangement between health maintenance organizations and private therapists in the community that allows access to individual therapy with co-payment.
  • Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs: Treatment centers for children and adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse, located throughout the country.

Legal aspects and rights

  • Legal framework: Sexual abuse of minors is prohibited under the Penal Law and includes any act committed against a child without their free and full consent, or through exploitation of power imbalance, age difference, authority, or dependency. Children under the age of 16, defined in Israel as the age of consent, cannot provide full and informed consent to sexual activity.
  • Mandatory reporting: In Israel, there is a legal obligation to report any reasonable suspicion that an offense has been committed against a minor. This duty applies especially to professionals such as teachers, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and healthcare professionals. Reports are submitted to a child protection social worker or to the police.
  • Rights of minors who are victims: The Law for Assistance to Minors Victims of Sexual or Other Violent Offenses defines rights for children who have been harmed. Key rights include:
    • Right to privacy and protection of the child’s identity.
    • Right to accompaniment by an adult during various procedures.
    • Right to a specialized child forensic interview.
    • Right to information about the criminal process and case status.
    • Right to legal assistance.
  • Statute of limitations: Israeli law recognizes that sexual abuse in childhood may be disclosed many years after it occurred. Therefore, special provisions allow filing a complaint long after the abuse. When the abuse occurred before the age of 18, the limitation period does not begin immediately but only at age 18. From that point, there is a period of 10 to 15 years (depending on the type of offense) to file a complaint and initiate legal proceedings. In especially severe cases, such as offenses punishable by life imprisonment, there is no statute of limitations, and a complaint may be filed at any age.

Prevention and protection of children

Preventing sexual abuse of children begins with education about healthy sexual development and raising awareness among both adults and children. When children learn to understand their bodily boundaries and are given tools for open communication, they are better equipped to protect themselves and seek help when needed. Here are some recommendations every parent should know:

  • Education for healthy boundaries

    • Teaching children to recognize their bodies and understand that certain parts are private.
    • Clarifying that children have the right to decide who touches them, where, and how.
    • Encouraging children to say “no” to uncomfortable touch, even when it involves adults.

  • Open communication

    • Creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing any topic.
    • Listening to children without judgment.
    • Making it clear that it is important to tell parents everything, and that they will always receive trust and support.

  • Creating a safe environment

    • Knowing the people and children in your child’s environment.
    • Checking educational settings to ensure they follow safety procedures.
    • Teaching children to recognize dangerous situations and seek help from trusted adults.

  • Online safety

    • Education about safe use of the internet and social media.
    • Familiarity with the websites, apps, and games that the child is exposed to.
    • Parental presence and supervision, for example: sitting with the child and understanding what they are playing and who they are interacting with.
    • Setting clear rules regarding contact with strangers online.
    • Open, age-appropriate conversations about online risks.

Myths That Are Important to Break

It is important to recognize that many people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. These feelings are a natural response to a traumatic experience and are often intensified by social stigma and misconceptions.

Here are some examples of common myths and the truth behind them:

The truth: Children often “freeze” during abuse due to fear, confusion, or shock. Lack of resistance does not indicate consent, especially in the case of children. Children cannot provide informed consent to sexual activity.

The truth: Most children do not disclose sexual abuse immediately after it occurs, and some never disclose it at all. The reasons for this are varied: fear, threats from the perpetrator, guilt, shame, or a lack of understanding of what happened.

The truth: Sexual abuse of children occurs across all population groups, communities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is no specific family profile in which abuse is more likely to occur.

The truth: Research shows that children very rarely fabricate allegations of sexual abuse. When a child discloses sexual abuse, it is important to listen and take their words seriously. Even if the account is not accurate, it still reflects some form of distress, and therefore requires attention and an appropriate response. When a child reports abuse, they are expecting their parents or caregivers to act and protect them. A lack of response or dismissal may lead the child to avoid sharing again in the future.

The truth: Suppression is not a solution, and childhood sexual abuse can have significant effects on many areas of adult life. Treatment and coping can help at any age.

Childhood sexual abuse is a difficult and painful experience, but it is important to remember that it is not a life sentence and recovery is possible. There are ways to achieve healing and personal growth, and it is never too late to begin the process. If you have experienced sexual abuse, or someone close to you has, it is important to know that you are not alone, you are not to blame for what happened, and it is never too late to seek help and begin healing. There are professionals who can support you through the recovery process and help you build a full and meaningful life.

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