Statistics

In 2005, an estimated 899,000 children in the United States and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Among the children confirmed as victims:

• Children in the age group of 3 or younger had the highest rate of victimization at 16.5 per 1,000 children.
• More than 50% of the victims were 7 years old or younger
• 54.5% of the child victims were girls, while 47.3% were boys

What are the most common types of maltreatment?

• More than 60% of victims suffered neglect
• More than 15% of victims suffered physical abuse
• Less than 10% of victims suffered sexual abuse
• Less than 10% of victims suffered emotional abuse.

Who is responsible for the abuse and neglect?

• More than 75% of perpetrators are parents of the victim, and another 6.8% are other relatives.
• Unrelated caregivers (i.e. foster parents, child daycare providers, and legal guardians) account for less than 10.1% of perpetrators.
• Women comprise a larger percentage of all perpetrators than men, 57.8% compared to 42.4%.
• More than 75% of all perpetrators are younger than 40.

*2005 data from Administration for Children and Families, within the Department of Health and Human Services.

What is Child Abuse?

Causes and Prevention

Impact of Child Abuse