Worrying: Half of sexual abuse cases against children occurred within the family
Most of the abuse occurred in the victim's home or in a familiar environment. The most common form of abuse is contact under clothing. Yael Stern-Gordon, CEO of the "Beit LeKol Yeled" organization, said: "Sexual abuse of minors happens everywhere and in all layers of the population."
Half of the sexual abuse cases against children and teenagers treated at the "Beit LeKol Yeled" organization in 2025 occurred within the family, and another 35% of sexual abuse cases were committed by a party known to the child outside the family. Only 10% of minors were abused by a stranger, according to the annual report of "Beit LeKol Yeled," one of the leading organizations treating high-risk children and their families.
The annual statistical report, produced for the seventh year, is based on systematic data collection from the organization's "Meital" centers. In 2025, about 1,200 children and teenagers received treatment: 76% were victims of sexual abuse; 22% were children with inappropriate or abusive sexual behavior; and 2% were children who were both victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse.
Key Findings
The report shows that 67% of the abused minors were girls, and 33% were boys. The average age of victims is 13, with the youngest being 3 years old. The most common form of abuse was contact under clothing, accounting for 36% of all cases.
Among girls, abuse within the family was more common than abuse outside the family (56% vs 41%), while among boys, abuse outside the family was more frequent (59% vs 44%). In 94% of cases, the perpetrators were boys or men.
Location of Abuse
The victim's home is the most common location for abuse (41%), followed by the homes of relatives, neighbors, or acquaintances (20%). Most abuse occurs in environments familiar to the child. Only 15% of cases occurred in educational, religious, or medical settings, and 11% in public spaces.
Prevention and Therapy
Yael Stern-Gordon, CEO of "Beit LeKol Yeled," emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies: "The emotional therapy that these children receive together with their parents is intended to help them cope with the trauma. The data shows that sexual abuse happens everywhere and in all layers of the population. The next necessary step is to develop additional prevention measures and address the parent population."
Isabel Sari Levy, Director of the Sexual Abuse of Children and Teenagers Department at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, added: "The data highlights a harsh truth: in most cases, it is a person the child knows. Our responsibility is not only to provide therapeutic responses but also to strengthen the capabilities of parents and professionals to identify warning signs and act in time."
