Half of Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Israel Occur Within the Family, Report Finds

A 2025 report by the Israeli nonprofit "A Home for Every Child" reveals that half of the sexual abuse cases involving children and adolescents treated by the organization occurred within the family, with an additional 35% perpetrated by someone known to the child outside the family. Only 10% of cases involved strangers. The report, based on data from approximately 1,200 children and youth treated at seven specialized centers, shows that 67% of victims were girls and 33% boys, with an average age of 13 years old; the youngest victim was 3.

The most common form of abuse was inappropriate touching under clothing, accounting for 36% of cases. Among familial perpetrators, brothers were responsible for about a quarter of the incidents, a higher rate than other family members such as cousins, uncles, or parents. Abuse most often took place in the victim's home (41%), followed by relatives' homes or neighbors (20%). Other locations included educational, religious, medical, or therapeutic settings (15%) and public spaces (11%).

The report also highlights that 22% of the children treated exhibited inappropriate or harmful sexual behavior themselves, mostly boys (79%). Nearly half of these children were aged 13 to 18, and many incidents occurred repeatedly. The majority of abuse and problematic behavior happened in familiar environments, emphasizing the proximity of perpetrators to victims.

Yael Stern-Gordon, CEO of "A Home for Every Child," stressed the importance of the data for tailoring professional responses and improving prevention strategies. She noted the expansion of treatment centers nationwide, funded by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, to provide sensitive and accessible care for affected children and families. Izabel Seri Levi, head of child sexual abuse services at the ministry, underscored the need to strengthen parents, educators, and welfare professionals in recognizing warning signs and acting promptly, emphasizing that abuse often occurs in familiar settings rather than by strangers.

The report calls for continued development of prevention programs and early detection efforts to ensure that abused children receive timely support and do not suffer in silence.