Background Detailed information about the epidemiology of child sexual abuse (CSA) in Canada is lacking. Objective To estimate the prevalence of CSA; determine if CSA prevalence differs by gender and age group; and describe CSA characteristics, including perpetrators, age of onset, age of cessation, duration, and chronicity. Participants and setting Adults aged 18–49 years provided retrospective accounts of CSA in a cross-sectional survey (Childhood Adversity and Resilience-Youth and Early Adulthood Research Study [CARe-YEARS]; N = 3767; May 2024). Methods CSA included non-contact CSA (looking at or exposing private parts) and three types of contact CSA (touching private parts, attempted forced sex, and completed forced sex). Descriptive statistics were conducted. Gender and age-group differences in prevalence were tested with logistic regression. Results The prevalence of CSA was 25.8% overall, including 21.0% any contact CSA and 14.7% non-contact CSA. Women and gender-diverse individuals disproportionately experienced CSA compared to men. The overall prevalence of CSA by perpetrator type included 9.1% friend/schoolmate; 8.4% boyfriend/girlfriend; 4.8% unknown adolescent; 4.3% known adult (non-family); 4.2% unknown adult; 3.6% cousin; 2.1% parent/stepparent/parent's boyfriend or girlfriend; 2.0% grandparent, uncle, or aunt; and 1.4% sibling. Between 22 and 33% of survivors did not recall additional characteristics of the abuse. Of those who reported, the mean age of onset was 11.0 years and one in four reported that CSA occurred six or more times. Age group trends (18 to 29 years and 30 to 49 years) indicated declines in some CSA subtypes. Conclusions Findings from the current study provide detailed evidence of survivors' CSA experiences, addressing important knowledge gaps to inform policy and CSA prevention.
Background Despite mandatory reporting laws, discrepancies between the estimated prevalence of child maltreatment and official reports may reflect both under-identification and failure to report recognized concerns. Healthcare professionals face emotional, cognitive, and institutional barriers that may influence reporting willingness. Methods This cross-sectional study examined sociodemographic, professional, cognitive, emotional, perceptual, and institutional factors associated with healthcare professionals' self-reported willingness to report suspected child maltreatment. The sample included 272 healthcare professionals caring for children (44% physicians, 43% nurses). Data were collected using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Results Years of experience were positively associated with identification ability (r = 0.24, p < .001). Women reported higher willingness to report than men (M = 20.97 vs. 18.77, p < .001). Hospital-based staff demonstrated higher self-reported willingness to report than community-based staff (M = 20.74 vs. 18.95, p < .001), and managerial staff demonstrated higher self-reported willingness to report than non-managerial staff (M = 20.96 vs. 20.18, p = .03). Anger toward the child's family was the most common emotional response (44%). More positive perceptions and attitudes, together with greater emotional readiness, were associated with greater self-reported willingness to report suspected child maltreatment. Conclusions Female healthcare professionals, professionals with greater clinical experience, hospital-based healthcare professionals, and those in managerial roles reported greater willingness to report suspected child maltreatment. Targeted training incorporating clinical exposure, emotional processing, and ethical decision-making is recommended, particularly for community-based and male professionals. Stronger leadership and organizational support may enhance reporting willingness.
