Sexual Abuse and Children The clearinghouse on child abuse and neglect information reports that “One in four girls will be sexually abused before they turn 14 and one in three will be sexually abused before they turn 18.” Boys aren't in the clear either. They also reported that “One in seven boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18.” You ask “How could this be happening?” This is happening because child molesters are being let off too easy! In this speech I am going to convince you that we need tougher penalties on child molesters! The purpose of this speech is to inform you that sex offenders are getting away too easy. Sexual abuse has horrible effects on children.