Child Abuse Statistics

Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States, many of which include multiple children.  In Tennessee, The Department of Children’s Services responds to over 37,000 reports of child abuse and neglect every year.  In Maury County, the number of reports grew from 838 reported cases in 2008 to 964 cases in 2009.

 

Shocking statistics:

 

  • A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
  • Almost five children die everyday as a result of child abuse.  More than three out of four are under the age of 4.
  • It is estimated that between 60 - 85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.
  • 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.
  • Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education
  • 31% of women in prison in the United States were abused as children
  • Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child.
  • About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
  • About 80% of 21 year olds that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder
  • The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 is $104 billion.

 

Child Abuse Consequences

  • Abused teens are 3 times less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs.
  • Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
  • Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely to develop drug addictions.
  • Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
  • Children who experience child abuse and 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 a violent crime.