In 2017, SCARS conducted a survey in collaboration with the Bermuda Health Council.
The results of this self-reported survey indicated a prevalence of ONE in THREE adults in Bermuda experienced child sexual abuse.
The majority of victims knew their abuser, classifying them as either family, friend or a neighbour.
Among victims, only 41% disclosed to anyone, and the majority of those disclosed at least 25 years following the abuse – 90% of victims identified as female – 10% of victims identified as male. These statistics aligned with other countries around the world and the number is likely to be higher for males, however disclosure for males are much less due to shame, stigma etc.
The data was collected by surveying SCARS participants with a database at the time of over 5,000 Bermuda residents with over 700 respondents
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IS DEFINED AS ANY SEXUAL ACT BETWEEN AN ADULT AND A MINOR, Or between two minors, WHEN ONE EXERTS POWER OVER THE OTHER. FORCING, COERCING, PERSUADING A CHILD TO ENGAGE IN ANY TYPE OF SEXUAL ACT. It also includes NON-CONTACT ACTS Such As EXHIBITIONISM, EXPOSURE TO PORNOGRAPHY, VOYEURISM, OR COMMUNICATING IN A SEXUAL MANNER VIA THE PHONE OR INTERNET.
ONE In THREE PEOPLE In Bermuda indicated they had been sexually abused by their 18th birthday.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IS A CRISIS THAT HAS AFFECTED THOUSANDS OVER MANY DECADES.
This final segment of a three-part series was produced in recognition of the 11th Anniversary of SCARS Bermuda to SHED REAL LIGHT on the DARKNESS and SECRETS of CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE in Bermuda!
Still breaks my heart to pieces in the process of HEALING for REAL!
