National Child Abuse Statistics In 2003: 1,500 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 2002: 1,400 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 2001: 1,300 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 2000: 1,356 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 1999: 1,396 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 1998: 1,144 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 1997: 1,221 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 1996: 1,185 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. In 1995: 1,215 children died as a result of child abuse & neglect. Experts cannot agree on a single reason for this increase, but most attribute it to both a population increase and an increase in reporting. Other factors that are sometimes cited include changing a wider definition of child abuse, increased reporting requirements, states providing more accurate information, better recording systems, and changes in data collections. Child Abuse Statistics In the United States *An estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse & neglect every year. The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1,000 children. *Children ages 0-3 are most likely to experience abuse. They are victimized at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000. *1,500 children die every year from child abuse and neglect. That is just over 4 fatalities every day. *79% of the children killed are younger than 4. Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect *80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder.) *Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. *Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% mor likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. *14.4% of all men in prison in the United States were abused as children and 36.7% of all women in prison were abused as children. *Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse. *Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely to develop drub addictions. *Nearly 2/3's of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children. Cycle of Abuse 1/3 of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children. Additional Statistics on Child Abuse In America *There are nearly 3 million reports of child abuse made annually. *In 2003, there were 906,000 child abuse convictions. *The rate of child abuse is estimated to be 3 times greater than is reported. *The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1,000 children. *Children ages 0-3 are the most likely to experience abuse. They are victimized at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000. *79% of the children killed are younger than 4. These statistics are from the Administration for Children & Families of the U S Department of Health & Human Services "Child Maltreatment Report 2003". Consequences Of Child Abuse & Neglect *80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder.) *Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. *Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STD's. These statistics are from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse & Neglect Information. Long-term Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect 2005 The Link Between Abuse As a Child & Future Criminal Behavior *14.4% of all men in prison in the United States were abused as children. *36.7% of all women in prison were abused as children. *Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. These statistics are compiled from the US Department of Justice Reports The Link Between Child Abuse & Substance Abuse *Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse. *Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely to develop drug addictions. *Nearly 2/3's of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children. These statistics are compiled from the National Institute on Drug Abuse 2000 Report & Child Abuse & Neglect Study by Arthur Becker-Weidman PhD. Sources: Prevent Child Abuse America: Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting & Fatalities: The 2000 Fifty State Survey National Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research: Prevent Child Abuse America; Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the 1997 Annual Fifty State Survey Lung, C. & Daro D. (1996) Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting & Fatalities: The Results of the 1995 Annual Fifty State Survey. Chicago: National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse.http://www.childabuse.com/fs9.htm US Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families. Child Maltreatment 2003: Summary of Key Findings. National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse & Neglect Information. Long term Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect 2005 US Department of Justice Child Abuse & Neglect Study by Arthur Becker-Weidman PhD National Institute on Drug Abuse 2000 Report