Reports of child sexual abuse in Hawai’i are rising at alarming rates, raising serious questions about whether organizations and institutions are doing enough to protect children in their care.
According to 2024 data from the state’s five Children’s Justice Centers, the centers tracked a combined 1,839 cases involving child sex abuse, trafficking, severe physical abuse, online exploitation and exposure to violence, Hawaii News Now reported.
The year-to-year increases were striking. On Oahu, cases rose from 297 in 2023 to 389 in 2024. In West Hawai’i, severe abuse reports more than doubled in just one year. Over the past five years, nearly 10,000 children were identified as victims of abuse statewide. Experts also believe the number of sex assault victims could be twice as high because many incidents go unreported. For every sexual abuse survivor who steps forward, there are others still living in silence.
We can help.
More Time for Sexual Abuse Survivors to Seek Justice
The alarming rise in cases has renewed focus on justice for sexual abuse survivors. For many years, sexual assault victims were blocked from filing claims once the statute of limitations expired. That changed recently with the passage of Senate Bill 2601. The measure “puts survivors front and center” by giving them more time to act.
Civil claims can now be filed up to 32 years after a survivor turns 18. The legislation also allows claims within five years of discovering a psychological injury caused by the abuse. The law acknowledges what experts have long said: disclosure is often delayed, and survivors deserve the chance to come forward when they are ready — often with the guidance of a trusted sexual assault attorney.
Research shows it can take the average survivor of childhood sexual abuse about 20 years before reporting the abuse.
Warning Signs Families Should Watch For
Children may not be able to put into words what they’re experiencing, but their behavior can often send signals. According to the Hawaii State Chapter of Children’s Justice Center, families, educators, and caregivers should watch for:
- Sudden changes in mood or grades
- Fear of being with certain adults
- Nightmares or bedwetting
- Unexplained injuries or discomfort
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Sexual knowledge beyond age level
While no single sign points to possible abuse, adults should always take patterns seriously because early recognition and action are key to protecting children.
Why Accountability for Sex Assault Victims Matters
Civil lawsuits are one way to achieve that accountability. A dedicated sexual abuse law firm or a child sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors pursue claims that not only provide resources for recovery but also shine a light on the abusers. These cases often force institutions to make meaningful reforms to create safer spaces for children.
How We Help Sex Abuse Victims
Our Hawai‘i sexual abuse lawyers work one-on-one with survivors, offering a direct, personal level of care and discretion. We use our decades of experience battling big organizations to fight on behalf of survivors, aggressively taking on those responsible for the pain and suffering they’ve caused. Our results obtaining justice for victims speak for themselves. If you are a survivor of childhood or adult sexual abuse, we can help.
