How Common is Child Abuse

In the US, an estimated 903,000 children (1.2% of all children) were victims of abuse and neglect in 2001. 19% of reported and substantiated child abuse cases result in the child being removed from the home.

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report 2001

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report 2001

Child Abuse Fatalities by Industrialized Country and US State

Child fatalities from abuse is more prevalent in the US than in other industrialized nations and there is significant variation state by state.

Source: BBC News Article, October 17, 2011 "America's child death shame"

Child Neglect

Children are the most vulnerable to neglect, and child neglect is by far the most common form of child abuse recorded in the US, accounting for 71% of reported cases in 2008:

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report 2008

Who is abusing the kids?

The answer may surprise you. It is most commonly not the proverbial "stranger" that most children are warned to avoid - it is more likely to be someone much closer to home:

Child Abduction Statistics

Definition:

Child Abduction - Child Abduction is a serious, yet common occurrence when people who suffer from personality disorders become involved in a custody dispute. Approximately 82% of more than 200,000 child abductions every year are perpetrated by family members.

Description:

U.S. Department of Justice statistics show that 9% of reported missing children cases are the result of child abductions and that 82% of reported child abductions in the US are determined to have been committed by family members.

Source: US Dept. of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention

*Stereotypical kidnappings are the particular type of non family abduction that receives the most media attention and involves a stranger or slight acquaintance who detains the child overnight, transports the child at least 50 miles, holds the child for ransom, abducts the child with intent to keep the child permanently, or kills the child.

Family Member Child Abduction Prevalence

An estimated 203,900 children were victims of a family abduction in 1999. In 43% of these cases, the whereabouts of the abducted child was known to the child's caretaker.

Source: US Dept. of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention

Abduction Duration

In most cases, family child abductions are short-lived and will not serve the abductor well. Most courts look unfavorably on anyone who abducts children or tries to deny another parent access in that way.

Source: US Dept. of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention

If a former spouse or family member disappears with the children, it is best to contact the local authorities immediately for help. See our Emergency Page for More Info.

Elder Abuse & Neglect Statistics

Elder Neglect Prevalence

U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996 are as follows:

Source: U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996

Elder Abuser Relationship to Victim

Source: U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996

Relationship of perpetrators to victims of domestic elder abuse for selected types of maltreatment:

Source: U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996

Elder Abuse Links

• U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996
• http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ National Center on Elder Abuse
• Protecting Mom & Dad's Money Protecting the Elderly from Financial Fraud