Fact check: What percentage of child sex abuse cases involve LGBTQ+ perpetrators?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided do not offer a direct answer to the question regarding the percentage of child sex abuse cases involving LGBTQ+ perpetrators ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}. However, most sources emphasize the vulnerability of LGBTQI+ children and young people to child sexual exploitation and abuse due to societal biases and discrimination ^[1]. Some analyses mention that the majority of perpetrators are cis-gender men ^[2] and that most child molesters are heterosexual, with only a small percentage being exclusively homosexual ^[3]. The available data suggests that the majority of child sex abuse cases do not involve LGBTQ+ perpetrators, but this is not explicitly stated in terms of percentages ^{[2] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key point missing from the original statement is the context of societal biases and discrimination that LGBTQI+ children and young people face, making them more vulnerable to child sexual exploitation and abuse ^[1]. Additionally, the analyses highlight the need for training organizations that serve survivors of sexual violence in racial/cultural humility and LGBTQ+ cultural competency ^[8], which is not considered in the original statement. Alternative viewpoints include the fact that LGBQ individuals reported higher rates of adverse childhood experiences, including sexual and emotional abuse ^[7], and that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse ^[6], which provides a broader understanding of the issue. The demographics of perpetrators and victims of child sexual abuse, such as 82% of perpetrators being men and the majority of victims being female, are also important context ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or biased as it implies a direct link between LGBTQ+ individuals and child sex abuse, which is not supported by the analyses ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}. This framing may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. The sources suggest that the focus should be on addressing societal biases and discrimination that make LGBTQI+ children and young people more vulnerable to abuse, rather than implying a higher incidence of abuse by LGBTQ+ perpetrators ^[1]. Organizations and individuals who seek to stigmatize or discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community may benefit from this misleading framing, while LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly children and young people, may be harmed by it ^[1].