Every child deserves a safe and nurturing childhood.Yet, too often children are subjected to abuse and neglect by those responsible for their care. Consider these facts:

• More than 800,000 children are confirmed as victims of abuse or neglect each year in the U.S.
  
  
• Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment, followed by physical abuse.
  
  
• Younger children (ages 0-6) are the most vulnerable to abuse.

Facts on Sexual Abuse

• 1 in every 4 girls; and 1 in every 7 boys will be the victim of sexual abuse before his or her 18th birthday.
  
  
• More than 90% of sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator.
  
  
• In a national study, 1 in 25 children using the Internet received an aggressive sexual solicitation, including requests to meet in person and/or to take photos of themselves.
  
  

While these statistics are staggering, there are strategies that can lessen a child’s susceptibility to abuse. Click on Protection Tips to learn more.


Healing From Abuse

Child abuse, in all forms, is a traumatic experience for child victims and their non-offending caregivers. The emotional impact can be lessened by securing specialized medical and mental health care. If you or someone you care about has experienced abuse, please contact your local children’s advocacy center. Your local CAC can refer you to healthcare providers and therapists in your area that specialize in the assessment and treatment of abuse.


Child Abuse Resources

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Darkness to Light

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Prevent Child Abuse America



Sources: Child Maltreatment reports, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Online Victimization of Youth (2005). Finklehor, et.al. University of New Hampshire.