It shouldn’t hurt to be a child, yet everyday, children are hurt by a parent, guardian, relative, family friend, babysitter, or someone else (adult or other child/juvenile) familiar to the child. Child abuse is a far-reaching problem that crosses economic, social, racial, ethnic, and religious boundaries.

Child abuse victims often grow up to repeat learned violent behavior; adults who were abused children have an increased risk of abusing their own children thus perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Abuse generally occurs with some regularity and often increases in frequency and/or becomes more severe. Whether intended or not, child fatalities are the most drastic and tragic consequence of child abuse and neglect*:

• Everyday, more than three children die as a result of child abuse in the home. Of these deaths, more than three-quarters of the victims were under the age of 5; 38 percent under the age of 1.
• One of every seven victims of reported sexual abuse were under age six.
• Among rape victims under the age of 12, 90 percent of the children knew the offender.
• Girls are sexually abused three times more often than boys.
• Approximately 3 million child abuse reports are made each year; on average, every 10 seconds.
• Child abuse and neglect kills more children (4-years old and younger) in the U.S. than accidental falls, drowning, choking on food, suffocation, motor vehicle accidents, or fires in the home.

*Identification of child deaths resulting from abuse or neglect is difficult, not always documented consistently and often goes unreported, so statistics can vary from agency to agency.

Click on the pictures next to each topics below to learn more about child abuse and what you can do to prevent it:

What is Child Abuse?
			Reporting Child Abuse.
Where can I find more information about preventing Child Abuse?
			Making children safer when they're home alone.
Everyday tips for preventing Child Abuse.
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			Choosing a babysitter or other child care

Preventing child abuse is a community concern.

Each of us can make a valuable contribution to protect our children and prevent child abuse. Every effort brings big rewards and will make a difference in the quality of life our community and help our children grow into positive, constructive adults.

This page was last modified on 01/26/2008