Facts and Information About Child Abuse

Sadly, we live in a world where children often find themselves victims of child abuse. Often, this occurs by the hands of loved ones. Child abuse plays a vital role in the development of a child and can even affect them into adulthood. Child abuse has shown to contribute to a large portion of the hick-ups in society. There are some facts about child abuse you may not be aware of.

Facts about Child Abuse

In a study conducted in 2005, it was estimated that 12 out of every 1,000 children in America suffered from abuse or neglect. The abusers in 80 percent of these cases were the child's parents. Neglect is actually the largest form of child abuse experienced in the United States. It's estimated that 60 percent of all child abuse cases are a result of neglect. Actual physical child abuse only makes up 15 to 20 percent of child abuse cases. Sadly, about four children die every day in the United States due to child abuse or neglect. It is even estimated that for each case of child abuse that is reported to authorities, at least two more go unreported, making the problem much larger.

Sexual abuse is also a large contributor to the child abuse cases in America. While both boys and girls are sexually abused, girls are 2/3's more likely to be sexually abused. Most often, the sexual abuser is someone the child knows. It is estimated eight out of every ten cases of sexual abuse against children is at the hands of a family member, family friend, or acquaintance.

Drugs also play a large role in child abuse. At least 10 percent of the babies born in the U.S. are born to drug addicted women and men. Children born to drug addicted parents have an increased risk of being abused by their parents. It's estimated one in every thirteen children are abused by their parents when they are using drugs. This causes a chair reaction through out that child's life. Children exposed to drugs and abuse are likely to continue this behavior though out their life.

Child abuse is a concern not only now, but for future generations. 84 percent of prison inmates admit to being abused as children. This obviously shows a trend with children that were victims of child abuse. Educating the public about the effects child abuse has, not only on children, but society as well is important in the fight to stop child abuse and neglect.

References:

"11 Facts about Child Abuse" DoSomething.org

"Child Abuse and Neglect" HelpGuide.org

"Child Abuse Facts" Way2Hope.org