Child Abuse Facts
Over 3 million (3,195,000) children were reported for child abuse and neglect to child protective service (CPS) agencies in the United States, in 1997. The "Prevent Child Abuse - America" reports that currently, about 47 out of every 1000 children are reported as victims of child maltreatment. Overall, child abuse reporting levels have increased 41% between 1988 and 1997.
According to the most recent 1997 survey:
Sexual abuse 8%,
Neglect 54%,
Emotional maltreatment 4% and other forms of maltreatment 12%.
These percentages have undergone some shift since 1986 when approximately 26% of the children were reported for physical abuse, 16% for sexual abuse, 55% for neglect, and 8% for emotional maltreatment (AAPC, 1988).
But these are only numbers. Behind each of these is a story of a real child hurt, a family torn apart, future marriages damaged and the likelihood of perpetuating the hurt to yet another generation. This is the Devastation that is Child Abuse.
Some of the stories found at this site in our database ("The Wall") give you a vivid picture of the pain suffered by child abuse victims and survivors. To view some of these stories click "The Wall" and then click the "My Story" link.
For a full list of sources, reports and statistics click below to go to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse :
http://www.preventchildabuse.org - General Research
http://www.preventchildabuse.org - PDF report
also see "Associated Evils of Abuse"
Helpful Editorials for Students and other interested parties that discuss deeper aspects of child abuse. We encourage you to do school reports on child abuse to increase awareness regarding victims and adult survivors.
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