True or False: Strangers pose the greatest risk of sexual abuse to children.

The statement is false because research consistently shows that the majority of sexual abuse cases involving children are perpetrated by someone known to them, not by strangers. This includes family members, friends, or trusted adults such as coaches or teachers. These individuals often have access to the child and can manipulate relationships to gain trust, making the risk from acquaintances significantly higher than that posed by strangers.

Understanding this statistic is crucial for child protection efforts, as it calls for strategies that focus on educating children about boundaries and recognizing inappropriate behavior from familiar individuals, rather than only warning them about strangers. It underscores the importance of fostering open communication between children and their caregivers so that they feel safe reporting any uncomfortable situations, regardless of who the perpetrator may be.