Mississippi has 3rd highest rate of child sex abuse victims: data
JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Sexual abuse is largely considered one of the most heinous crimes, but a recent report shows that Mississippi is a hotspot for crimes against society's most vulnerable: children.
Mississippi's number of sex offenders is higher than many states with similar populations. Still, rates of sexual violence overall are lower here than in most states. However, a SafeHome.org analysis reveals that Mississippi has the third highest number of child sex abuse victims nationally. About 192 per 100,000 children are victims of childhood sexual abuse in the state.
Nationally, 10.6% of all child maltreatment is sexual abuse. In Mississippi, that number is 14.4% , which is over 35% higher. Child sex trafficking made up 0.2% of all maltreatment cases nationally. In Mississippi, that number was 0.3%, or 50% higher than the national average.
The two largest sources of mistreatment are neglect and physical abuse. Mississippi's share of each among all cases of child maltreatment is lower than the national rate. However, Mississippi's rate of medical neglect for children is the third highest rate nationally. It is 168% higher than the national average.
According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Human Services, the ages that were the most victimized by child maltreatment overall were those under one year old. Compared to the national rate, Mississippi's rate for victims at that age is 50% higher than the national average.
Child Abuse: Know the signs
The Child Advocacy Centers of Mississippi recommends caregivers be cautious of the one-on-one time their child has with other adults. Experts also recommend taking the following precautions:
Physical signs of sexual abuse are not common. Emotional or behavioral signals occur more often. These can run from withdrawal and depression to unexplained anger and rebellion.
Sexual behavior and language that are not age-appropriate can be a red flag. Additionally, be aware that in some children, there are no signs whatsoever.
Do not overreact. It may have an impact on what the child shares with you or authorities in the future. Encourage the child to talk, but do not ask leading questions about details.
Believe the child and make sure the child knows it.
Do not panic. Think through your response before you react.
Seek the help of a professional who is trained to interview the child about sexual abuse. Professional guidance could be critical to the child's healing and any criminal prosecution.
Assure the child that it is your responsibility to protect him or her and that you will do all you can. Report or take action in all cases of suspected abuse, both inside and outside the immediate family.
Tell the child's name and where he or she lives. Tell where you are at presently, where the child is, and where the offender is if known.
Tell what the child said to you. Tell what interactions you saw between the alleged offender and the child. Tell what access the alleged offender has to the child.
Tell what other behaviors, if any, you have observed in the alleged offender. Tell what signs in the child you have seen.
The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services provides a toll-free hotline (1-800-222-8000) and online access for reporting child abuse and neglect.
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