Children all around the world are suffering from hidden child abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children.
General Statistics
- About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
- A report of child abuse is made every thirteen seconds.
- Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4.
- It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.
- 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way.
- Child abuse occurs across every ethnic and cultural line, and within all religions and at all levels of education.
- 31% percent of women in prison in the United States were abused as children.
- Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child.
- About 80% of 21 year old that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.
- The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 is $104 billion.
- Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
- Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs.
- Top ↑
Child Abuse & Criminal Behavior
- 14% of all men in prison in the U.S. were abused as children
- 36% of all women in prison were abused as children
- Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile
- 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime.
- Top ↑
Child Abuse Consequences
- Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy
- Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs
- Top ↑
Child Abuse & Substance Abuse
- Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol
- 3.8 times more likely develop drug addictions
- Nearly two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children
- Top ↑
Source:
Stewart, Chandra. "National Child Abuse Statistics | Childhelp."
Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse | Childhelp. Web. 02 Apr. 2011.
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics.