Sexual Abuse Victims Know Perpetrators in Most Cases

July 27, 2012 - PRLog -- (Plymouth Meeting, PA)—Contrary to popular belief, in most sexual abuse cases the perpetrator is not a stranger to the victim but rather somebody who is known and even trusted.

The American Psychological Association reports that about:

* 60% of perpetrators of sexual abuse are known to the child but are not family members
* 30% of perpetrators are family members
* 10% of perpetrators are strangers to the child

It is estimated that approximately 300,000 children are abused every year just in the United States. Yet many experts believe this number can be much higher, as not all cases are reported.

"Every child is potentially a target of sexual predation," says Peter S. Pelullo, a frequent guest on the Dr. Drew show and author of the recently released book “Betrayal and the Beast.” "It doesn't matter their age, race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background."

In his book Mr. Pelullo focuses on his own journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual predation. For many years he kept hidden and refused to face his own debilitating issues as a survivor—the shame, rage, multiple addictions, depression, and other influences that directly impacted his life. Finally, at the age of fifty-five, Mr. Pelullo confronted the sexual abuse he endured as a child.

"Understanding that the biggest danger to a child isn’t a stranger but someone who has access to the child in one-on-one situations can help parents be aware of and prevent abuse. And, remember, not all perpetrators are adults; they can be other children," says Mr. Pelullo.

Around 23% of reported cases of child sexual abuse are perpetrated by individuals under the age of 18, according to the American Psychological Association.

Mr. Pelullo's personal experience of sexual abuse led him to create the Let Go…Let Peace Come In Foundation, which helps and supports adult victims of childhood sexual abuse throughout the world. The foundation is committed to supporting the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and its research toward preventing child sexual abuse and improving treatment for survivors of abuse.

The negative effects of child sexual abuse can affect victims for many years and into adulthood. Most survivors of child sex abuse suffer from range of psychological and behavioral problems such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol addiction, and depression.

In the majority of sexual abuse cases perpetrators are:

* Caregivers
* Neighbors
* Babysitters
* Family friends
* Teenagers
* Adolescents
* Teachers
* Coaches
* Parents
* Other relatives

"Today's society is gradually becoming more open to discussing and dealing with sexual abuse issues. All these positive actions will contribute to child sexual abuse prevention and teach parents as well as educators how to be more proactive and do the best to protect children," says Mr. Pelullo.

Peter S. Pelullo was the founder of Philly World Records and owner of a premiere recording studio in the ’70s, where he worked with the Rolling Stones, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He is now an entrepreneur and financier focusing on technology startups. During his journey in recovery, he created the Let Go…Let Peace Come In Foundation, which supports adult victims of childhood sexual abuse throughout the world and is presently subsidizing trauma therapy sessions for a couple of the alleged victims from the Jerry Sandusky incidents at Penn State University.