Survey 2007...

False beliefs about sexual abuse against children: A reality still too present in 2007

Montreal, June 12, 2007 – An Écho survey undertaken by the Marie-Vincent
Foundation, in cooperation with the Centre d’expertise en agression sexuelle Marie- Vincent, brings to light today the overwhelming reality of child sexual abuse victims. According to the data, nearly seven out of ten Quebecers underestimate the extent of the problem of sexual abuse toward children, and more than half don’t know whom to contact to denounce maltreatment against children.

The Écho survey, carried out from March 5 to April 12, 2007 via telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1,000 male and female Quebecers aged 18 and over, and able to converse in French, shows that false beliefs still exist concerning the nature of acts committed by the abuser, the reaction of children and ignorance of resources.

Earlier surveys carried out by the Marie-Vincent Foundation revealed that Quebecers understand the importance of breaking the silence and speaking openly of abuse. Moreover, a large majority of persons know they have a legal obligation to make a report when there are reasonable grounds to believe a child is abused. Nonetheless, 22.6% of persons questioned believe that solid proof is required before reporting to authorities, which could lead to significant consequences for victims.

“While nearly half of victims are between six and eleven years old when they are first abused, it is surprising to learn that one out of four adults believes that a child may provoke sexual abuse by his or her behaviour, that abuse occurs on the street or at school rather than in a private setting, and that an abused child victim will resist with force or try to get away”, indicated Mr. Claude Girouard, member of the board of both the Marie-Vincent Foundation and the Centre d’expertise en agression sexuelle Marie-Vincent. As far as acts committed by the abuser, one out of two adults believe that sexual abuse against children must necessarily involve anal or vaginal sexual relations.

It is already established that 90% of abuse committed against children is never disclosed to authorities. So it is not surprising to learn from the present survey that yet nearly six out of ten persons questioned acknowledge not knowing the resources designed to assist child maltreatment victims.

Results of the survey confirm that education of the Québec population regarding sexual abuse must continue. “The survey carried out for the Marie-Vincent Foundation shows that Quebecers, even in 2007, underestimate the extent of the problem of sexual abuse against children. To this effect, the topic of sexual abuse needs to be maintained in families, the media, companies and communities. The Marie-Vincent Foundation, with its annual awareness campaign and services offered by its Centre d’expertise en agression sexuelle Marie-Vincent, intends to pursue this objective,” said Ms. Lucie Joyal, executive director of the Centre d’expertise.

Since 1975, the Marie-Vincent Foundation’s mission has been to prevent situations of abuse and neglect toward children under twelve. The Foundation also helps abuse victims by offering therapeutic services through its Centre d’expertise en agression sexuelle and research carried out by the Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Chair on sexual abuse toward children.