Here are some facts about children and child abuse
Some of these facts, you may already know, while others may be hard to believe.
These facts are divided into categories. Some may fit more than one category, in which case I put it under the one I feel is most appropriate. I have many more facts to add here as time permits, and if the lists get too long, I may break them into individual pages.
General Child Abuse Facts
There are 4 types of child abuse.
physical abuse, sexual abuse, child neglect, and emotional abuse
Pretty much all child abuse includes or causes emotional abuse.
Neglect is the most common form of child abuse.
In 2008, 5% of children in the US were reported as abused or neglected. Approximately 30% of the cases were confirmed.
In 2003, in Canada, there were approximately 115,000 substantiated child maltreatment cases.
23% physical abuse
3% sexual abuse
34% neglect
14% emotional maltreatment
and 26% exposure to domestic violence
Most cases of child sexual abuse are never reported.
In some countries, including Canada, it is a crime to not report known child abuse.
Facts About Child Abuse Victims
It is estimated that only 1 in 3 child abuse cases is ever reported.
The majority of prison inmates suffered from some form of child abuse.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by an adult before they turn 18.
some sources estimate even more
Abused children are many times more likely to become alcoholics, drug users or abusers.
In the United States, approximately three children died each day from abuse or neglect in 2007.
1 in 5 rape victims are under age 12; 1 in 10 are under age 5.
The effects of abuse on children are often life long.
Most teens on the streets are there because they ran away from home to escape sexual and/or physical abuse.
Facts About Child Abusers
About 80% of child sexual abusers are family, friends, or someone the child knows.
Most child sexual abusers are men, but some are women.
Many child abusers were victims themselves.
You can't identify child abusers by how they look.
Most convicted sex offenders end up repeating after they are released.
Abusers can sometimes be recognized, if you know what to look for.
Most child sexual abusers can't be cured, only helped, and only if they wish to be helped.
More Facts
Anyone can help with protecting children, even if you don't have or work with children yourself.
We can make a difference by helping protect children and by helping abusers stop hurting children.
