Child Abuse Statistics

How many children are abused and neglected in the United States? Although the incidence of child abuse and neglect has been decreasing in recent years, more than 1.25 million, or 1 in every 58 children in the United States, were abused in 2006. More than half (61 percent) of the children (771,700 children) were victims of neglect, meaning a parent or guardian failed to provide for the child's basic needs. Forms of neglect include educational neglect (360,500 children), physical neglect (295,300 children), and emotional neglect (193,400). Another 44 percent were victims of abuse (553,300 children), including physical abuse (325,000 children), sexual abuse (135,000 children), and emotional abuse (148,500 children). An average of nearly four children die every day as a result of child abuse or neglect (1,760 in 2007).

Child Abuse Victims

Who is more likely to be abused or neglected? No group of children is immune from being a victim of child abuse or neglect, although girls are more often the victims of sexual abuse than boys. For all other types of abuse and neglect, statistics are about equal for boys and girls. Children of all races and ethnicities can be victims of child abuse. In 2007, nearly one-half of all victims of child abuse and neglect were White (46.1%), one-fifth (21.7%) were AfricanAmerican, and one-fifth (20.8%) were Hispanic. Although children of all ages experience abuse and neglect, it is the youngest children that are the most vulnerable, with almost 32% of the victims of child abuse and neglect being under the age of four years.

Reporting Child Abuse

Who reports child abuse and neglect? In 2007, more than one-half (57 percent) of all child abuse cases and reports made to CPS agencies came from professionals who came in contact with the child, including teachers, lawyers, police officers, and social workers. Many people in these professions are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect. However, many reports (26 percent) came from nonprofessional sources, such as parents, other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Anonymous reports accounted for 7 percent of all reports in 2007. It is important for everyone to know the signs of child abuse and how to report it. We all share a responsibility to help keep children safe as we take steps to prevent child abuse from occurring in the first place.

More Child Abuse Statistics

Other child abuse statistics from the "Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect" include that:

children whose parents are unemployed have about two times the rate of child abuse and two to three times the rate of neglect than children with employed parents children in low socioeconomic families have more than three times the rate of child abuse and seven times the rate of neglect than other children living with their married biological parents places kids at the lowest risk for child abuse and neglect, while living with a single parent and a live-in partner increased the risk of abuse and neglect to more than eight times that of other children

Signs of Child Abuse in The Child

Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention. Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes. Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen. Lacks adult supervision. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

Signs of Child Abuse in The Parent

Shows little concern for the child. Denies the existence ofor blames the child forthe child's problems in school or at home. Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome. Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.

Signs of Child Abuse in The Parent and Child

Rarely touch or look at each other. Consider their relationship entirely negative. State that they do not like each other.

Child Abuse Facts

Child abuse is harm to, or neglect of, a child by another person, whether adult or child. Child abuse happens in all cultural, ethnic, and income groups. Child abuse can be physical, emotional - verbal, sexual or through neglect. Abuse may cause serious injury to the child and may even result in death. Signs of possible abuse include:

Physical Abuse

Unexplained or repeated injuries such as welts, bruises, or burns. Injuries that are in the shape of an object (belt buckle, electric cord, etc.) Injuries not likely to happen given the age or ability of the child. For example, broken bones in a child too young to walk or climb. Disagreement between the child's and the parent's explanation of the injury. Unreasonable explanation of the injury. Obvious neglect of the child (dirty, undernourished, inappropriate clothes for the weather, lack of medical or dental care). Fearful behavior.

Emotional - Verbal Abuse

Aggressive or withdrawn behavior. Shying away from physical contact with parents or adults. Afraid to go home.

Sexual Abuse

Child tells you he/she was sexually mistreated. Child has physical signs such as: o difficulty in walking or sitting. o stained or bloody underwear. o genital or rectal pain, itching, swelling, redness, or discharge o bruises or other injuries in the genital or rectal area. Child has behavioral and emotional signs such as: o difficulty eating or sleeping. o soiling or wetting pants or bed after being potty trained. o acting like a much younger child. o excessive crying or sadness. o withdrawing from activities and others. o talking about or acting out sexual acts beyond normal sex play for age.

Abuse can happen in any family, regardless of any special characteristics. However, in dealing with parents, be aware of characteristics of families in which abuse may be more likely:

Families who are isolated and have no friends, relatives, church or other support systems. Parents who tell you they were abused as children. Families who are often in crisis (have money problems, move often). Parents who abuse drugs or alcohol. Parents who are very critical of their child. Parents who are very rigid in disciplining their child. Parents who show too much or too little concern for their child. Parents who feel they have a difficult child. Parents who are under a lot of stress.

If you suspect child abuse of any kind, you should: If you suspect child abuse of any kind, you should:

Take the child to a quiet, private area. Gently encourage the child to give you enough information to evaluate whether abuse may have occurred. Remain calm so as not to upset the child. If the child reveals the abuse, reassure him/her that you believe him/her, that he/she is right to tell you, and that he/she is not bad. Tell the child you are going to talk to persons who can help him/her. Return the child to the group (if appropriate). Record all information. Immediately report the suspected abuse to the proper local authorities. In most states, reporting suspected abuse is required by law.

If you employ other providers or accept volunteers to help you care for the children in your facility, you should check their background for a past history of child abuse or other criminal activity. Contact your local police department. Many states require that child care providers have background and criminal history checks. Dealing with child abuse is emotionally difficult for a provider. As a child care provider, you should get training in recognizing and reporting child abuse before you are confronted with a suspected case. If you suspect a case of child abuse, you may need to seek support from your local health department, child support services department, or other sources within your area.

Although people usually think of child abuse as someone physically harming a child, it is important to keep in mind that about 60 percent of child abuse cases actually involve neglect. It is sometimes easier to see the signs of physical abuse when a child is hit, kicked, or burned, but looking for signs of neglect is important too, as the consequences can be just as tragic.

Neglect

Neglect is usually defined as depriving a child of adequate:

food clothing shelter supervision medical care education

By not providing for a child's basic needs, this neglect can result in the child's death, serious physical or emotional harm, exploitation, or may put him at an imminent risk of serious harm.

Signs of Neglect
Signs of neglect might include a child who is:

not getting medical attention for a persistent or chronic medical problem, like a cough that lingers for weeks or months, weekly asthma attacks, or untreated skin infections, etc. often playing outside without any supervision left at home without supervision before he feels ready dirty or smells bad (poor hygiene) not usually dressed appropriately for the weather often asking for food or money at school because he is hungry absent from school a lot A child might also be considered neglected when his emotional needs aren't met and if he doesn't get any love and support at home. Keep in mind that living in poverty doesn't mean that a child is being neglected, as part of the definition is usually that a child is being neglected despite being financially able to do so or after being offered financial assistance.

Reporting Neglect
Like physical or sexual child abuse, people should report when they think a child is being neglected. Most states have a child abuse reporting number or hotline that you can use so that child welfare specialists can investigate suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.