Insight

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Rise of Child Sexual Abuse: A Dark Epidemic

As child sexual abuse cases continue to grow in prevalence, Bobby Saadian, founder & president of Wilshire Law Firm, gives Best Lawyers the inside scoop.

Man in suit with red tie poses for headshot
JS

Justin Smulison

November 9, 2023 10:00 PM

Child sexual abuse is a deeply troubling and pervasive issue that has gained increased attention in recent years. While it is not a new phenomenon, the rise of child sexual abuse incidents is a disheartening trend that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to combat it.

At Wilshire Law Firm, we battle child sexual abuse by bringing civil lawsuits on behalf of the victim. We help them to speak their truth against their perpetrator and assist victims in taking back their stolen “power” by championing their cause in the courtroom. On their behalf, we demand compensation from the perpetrator and anyone else who participated by not keeping that child safe.

Child sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors, including molestation, exploitation, grooming, online harassment and trafficking involving children under the age of 18. As we’ve learned, these perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be strangers, family members, coaches, teachers, religious leaders or another person within positions of authority and trust.

We demand compensation from the perpetrator and anyone else who participated by not keeping that child safe.”

The rise of child sexual abuse is not due solely to an increase in incidents. It also is linked to improved reporting and awareness. Several other factors also contribute to the increase in numbers:

1. The Digital Age: The proliferation of the internet has provided child predators with a new platform to exploit and groom their victims. Social media, chat rooms and online gaming platforms have become breeding grounds for perpetrators seeking to manipulate and exploit children.

2. Desensitization: The exposure to explicit content has desensitized some people to the real horror of sexual child abuse. This normalization of explicit content can contribute to a lack of empathy and an increased willingness to engage in abusive behavior.

3. Economic Disparities: Poverty and economic disparities can make children more vulnerable to sexual abuse. Economic desperation can lead parents to trust people or institutions offering assistance to their children, making these children susceptible to exploitation.

4. Institutional Failures: Institutions that should protect children, such as schools, religious organizations and foster care systems, have sometimes failed to do so. Instances of abuse within these institutions have garnered widespread attention, eroding trust in authority figures.

5. Perpetrator Profiling: Child sexual abuse often remains hidden in plain sight. Abusers’ ability to blend into society and avoid suspicion makes it challenging to identify them and to gather the necessary evidence to stop them. This makes it easier for them to continue their abusive behavior.

6. Social Stigma: Victims of child sexual abuse often face stigmatization, which can deter victims from reporting the abuse or seeking help. This social stigma can perpetuate the cycle of abuse. The consequences of child sexual abuse are profound and farreaching, affecting not only the victims but society as a whole. The child is undoubtedly traumatized, leading to a host of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and PTSD.

But worst of all, some victims of child sexual abuse become perpetrators in adulthood, thereby perpetuating the cycle of abuse across generations.

The rise of child sexual abuse is a disturbing trend that requires our collective attention and action. Just speaking from our corner of the world, there are legal reforms that need to be addressed. Sentences need to be longer, and “economic sanctions” should be as hard as possible. Reporting mechanisms need to be improved. This includes hotlines, accessible mental health services, better protection for victims and reporting requirements for professionals who work with children.

It is essential that we all take responsibility for the safety and well-being of children, because no child should ever have to encounter the horrors of child sexual abuse.

Headline Image: Wilshire Law Firm

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Things to Consider When Choosing a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Ontario


by Igor Vilkhov

Choosing the right lawyer when faced with sexual assault charges is important. Here are a few things to consider.

Choosing a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Ontario

IN PARTNERSHIP

From Allegations to Action: Navigating Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Survivors


by Wagners Law Firm

All too often, instances of sexual abuse occur within an institutional environment. Read more to find out what to do in cases of sexual and institutional abuse.

Animated woman sits with her eyes closed

IN PARTNERSHIP

Deborah Chang: Strong, Compassionate Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Athea Trial Lawyers continued to impact the California legal landscape, securing justice for the family of an internationally renowned women’s rights leader.

Lawyer smiling while posing for a photo

IN PARTNERSHIP

Justice For Maui


by Justin Smulison

The Maui wildfires were the 5th deadliest wildfire in the U.S. James Frantz was quick to team up with Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, providing crucial resources.

Group of lawyers pose for picture

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer smiles while posing for headshot photo

Robin Meadow

Appellate Practice

Los Angeles, CA

2024

Southern California Edison Facing Negligence Claims Over Wildfires


by Gregory Sirico

Southern California Edison, the largest subsidiary of the electric utility company in the state, is facing legal claims following the 2020 Bobcat wildfire.

Power lines with wildfires in the backdrop

IN PARTNERSHIP

Easton & Easton: Let Our Family Help Yours


by Justin Smulison

For more than 50 years, Easton & Easton have continued to be the go-to trial law firm for injury and wrongful death claims in Southern California in 2023.

Group of lawyers pose at table with globe in forefront

History Eraser


by Gregory Sirico

Penguin Random House and several other major book publishing houses filed litigation against Florida education leaders who recently passed a book ban law.

Penguin logo in front of black and white books

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer in suit smiles for professional headshot

Kevin M. Levy

Technology Law

Miami, FL

2025

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

"Lawyer of the Year"


Man in suit and tie smiling for professional headshot

Dylan D. Rudolph

Litigation - ERISA

San Francisco, CA

2025

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer poses for professional firm headshot

Mindi M. Richter

Copyright Law

Tampa, FL

2025

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia Car Accident: How to File a Car Accident Case


by Robert Hammers

In a car accident in Georgia? Read this guide for key steps from actions at the scene to settlement talks and lawsuit filing. Stay informed and prepared.

Figure with clipboard assesses the scene of an accident

How a New Maryland Bike Safety Law Honors a Client’s Legacy


by Justin Smulison

Four-time Lawyer Of The Year Patrick Regan discusses how a client’s bicycling tragedy led to a result that improved Maryland traffic law to protect riders.

Group of lawyers posing for a photo

New SAFE Act Aims to Tackle Rising Crime in DC


by Gregory Sirico

As DC grapples with skyrocketing crime rates, the Secure Apartments for Everyone Regulation Amendment Act seeks to implement actionable change

Security cameras affixed to animated building

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background