The Cost

Child sexual abuse cost to U.S. victims:

Sexually violent acts cost our healthcare system:

• Sexually violent acts against children (ages 0-14) cost $71 billion every year.
• Sexual violence against adolescents (ages 15-24) costs $45 billion per year.

Children’s Safety Network Economic and Insurance Resource Center

Significantly higher healthcare costs for women with a history of childhood abuse:

Annual healthcare costs were 16% higher for women with sexual abuse only, 22% higher for women with physical abuse only, and 36% higher for women with both hypes of abuse. Thus, childhood abuses are associated with long-term enhanced health care use and costs.

(Bonomi et al, 2008). Bonomi AE, Anderson ML, Rivara FP, Cannon EA, Fishman P A, Carrell D, et al. (2008). Health Care Utilization and Costs Associated. J Gentntern Med, 23(3), 294-9.

Sarkar, Narendra Nath. Childhood Sexual Abuse and Its Impact on Womens Health. International Medical Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 107 – 112 , June 2010.

Child sexual abuse plays an important role in the cost of mental health services:

The direct cost of mental health is more than $97 billion annually in 2010 dollars (Mark, et. al., 1998).

Indirect costs add another $110 billion or more annually in 2010 dollars (Rice & Miller, 1996).

If child sexual abuse victims have a doubled risk for mental health conditions (Rohde, et. al., 2008; Dube,et. al., 2005; Waldrop, et. al., 2007; Day, et. al., 2003; Kendler, et. al., 2000; Voeltanz, et. al., 1999), logic suggests that child sexual abuse is responsible for annual mental health costs of at least $20 billion. (Generally available via internet).

Child sexual abuse is a major factor in teenage pregnancy rates:

The U.S. government estimates that teen pregnancy costs the nation over $9 billion annually (National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2004).

If the applicable research (Noll, Shenk, & Putnam, 2009) is accurate, logic suggests that over $2 billion of this is attributable to child sexual abuse. (Generally available via internet).

Over-sexualized behavior leads to increased risk of sexually-transmitted diseases:

Sexually-transmitted diseases cost this nation $8.4 billion annually (Kaiser Family Foundation, 1997).

If the research is accurate (Zierler, et. al., 1991: Allers, et. al., 1993; Dekker, et. al., 1990), logic tells us that over $5 billion of this is attributable to child sexual abuse. (Generally available via internet).