Final answer:
True, the majority of sexual abuse cases against children are perpetrated by someone known to the child, such as a parent or relative. Over 81% of abuse cases are carried out by parents, highlighting the familial risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most sexual abuse is indeed perpetrated by someone known to the child, so the answer to the student's question is true. In the context of child abuse, it is well-documented that the majority of perpetrators are in fact the parents or individuals close to the child. According to Child Help (2011), 81.2 percent of perpetrators are parents and 6.2 percent are other relatives. This challenges the common misconception that strangers represent the greatest threat to children in this regard. It is crucial to note that child abuse can manifest in many forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, and medical neglect. However, sexual abuse accounts for 7.6 percent of these cases, showing that it is a significant issue that typically involves individuals within the child's immediate social circle.