What is child abuse? Child abuse is any form of intentional physical, sexual or emotional harm and neglect to a child under the age of 18 by an adult. Data and Statistics Annual Child Maltreatment reports are developed by The Children's Bureau. The reports include data provided by the states to NCANDS (The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems) and references the Fatality rate per 100,000 children from 2015 through 2019. In the U.S. approximately 1,840 children died in 2019 by child abuse and maltreatment, according to the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect fact sheet. However, less than half of the cases reported made National news. Consequences and Prevention As a result of abuse and maltreatment, a child may suffer emotional and psychological problems, as well as the appearance of physical injuries and in some cases more severe trauma. One step in prevention is learning to recognize the signs of abuse and maltreatment. Recognizing the signs of abuse in a child is critical and can potentially lead to rescuing the child from abuse and maltreatment.
To learn more about signs of abuse please visit:
If there is suspicion of any form of abuse; reporting your concern will warrant an assessment of a child's current situation by the proper authorities. This may further grant an investigation to legitimize the claim.
Public Awareness by way of social media platforms, public speaking, campaigns and the like are additional tools that can be applied to assist in prevention of child abuse and maltreatment.
For information about where and how to file a report, contact your local child protective services agency or police department.
Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline (800-4-A-CHILD) and its website (https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/) Sources:
Comments