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What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
What are the major types of child maltreatment?
How many children are abused each year?
How many children die each year?
What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
What can I do if I suspect child abuse and neglect?
How do I report child abuse and neglect?
Can I make an anonymous report of abuse?
What are substantiated vs. indicated cases of child maltreatment?
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
The phrases child abuse and neglect and child maltreatment are frequently used interchangeably. Child maltreatment is defined by Federal and State laws. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) set the standards for defining child maltreatment. CAPTA defines child maltreatment or child abuse and neglect as:
“Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”
Sexual abuse is defined as "the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children."
References
Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect [pdf]
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
[pdf]
About CAPTA: A Legislative History
[pdf]
What are the major types of child maltreatment?
Most states recognize four major types of maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Children reported for one type of maltreatment may experience multiple types of abuse. For a complete definition of each type of abuse, please click on the links listed below.
Neglect is defined as failure to provide for a child’s basic needs. Neglect includes: Physical, Medical, Educational and Emotional abuse.
Physical abuse is physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.
Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
Sexual abuse is defined by CAPTA as "the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children."
Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is often difficult to prove and, therefore, Child Protective Services (CPS) may not be able to intervene without evidence of harm to the child. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms are identified.
References
What is Child Abuse? [pdf]
Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
[pdf]
How many children are abused each year?
Annually more than 3.5 million children are reported to state and local Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies as victims of child abuse and neglect. In 2007, an estimated 3,535,501 children were accepted as alleged victims of child maltreatment, a rate of 47.2 per 1,000 children in the U.S. population and Puerto Rico. An estimated 794,000 children were substantiated as victims of child abuse and neglect, a rate of 10.6 per 1,000 children in the U.S. population and Puerto Rico.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2007: (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009). The report is available by calling the Child Welfare Information Gateway at (800) FYI-3366 or on the Internet. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm07/cm07.pdf [pdf]
How many children die each year?
Child Fatalities: The death of a child is the most tragic consequence as a result of child abuse. In 2007, an estimated 1,760 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect, a rate of 2.35 per 100,000 U.S. children and Puerto Rico.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2007: (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009). The report is available by calling the Child Welfare Information Gateway at (800) FYI-3366 or on the Internet. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm07/cm07.pdf [pdf]
What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
The signs and symptoms of child abuse may vary from child to child and from type of abuse. Both, the parent and child may show signs that may indicate that abuse is occurring in the home. It is important to note that the presence of a single sign does not necessarily mean that child abuse is being abuse. Especial attention must be made when a child displays multiple signs and these sings occur with more frequently. If you suspect that abuse is taking place, please contact your local child protective service agency or call your local police department. For information about where to call or make a report in your State, please refer to the resource directory list or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.4.A.CHILD / 1.800.422.4453.
References
"Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms" [pdf]
"Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Abuse"
Resource Directory List
What can I do if I suspect child abuse and neglect?
How do I report child abuse and neglect?
If you suspect that a child is being harmed, please report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. You may call your local child protective services (CPS) or the police department.
Many States have toll-free phone numbers to call and report suspected child abuse and neglect. For information about where to call or make a report in your State, please refer to the resource directory list or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.4-A.CHILD / 1.800.422.4453.
References
Resource Directory List
Can I make an anonymous report of abuse?
Yes, many States accept anonymous reports of alleged child abuse and neglect and everyone should take the responsibility to report child abuse. If you have any concerns for the safety of a child, you should report your concerns to the proper authorities in your State. Most States have a toll-free number to call to report suspected child abuse. Some people are who work directly with children and families are mandated by law to report child abuse and neglect. Every State and the District of Columbia have statutes identifying mandatory reporters of child abuse. In some States mandated reporters may not be allowed to make anonymous reports. For more information on reporting procedures and guidelines, please contact your State’s child welfare agency.
References
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
What are substantiated vs. indicated cases of child maltreatment?
Every day CPS agencies receive about 9,686 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Many of these reports do not receive an investigation or assessment. Substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect are those in which there was an investigation by a state agency and there was sufficient evident to confirmed that child abuse and neglect did occur. Indicated cases of child abuse are those in which child maltreatment is not supported, but there is reason to suspect that child maltreatment either occur, or could happen. Not all states differentiated between substantiated and indicated.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2007: (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009). The report is available by calling the Child Welfare Information Gateway at (800) FYI-3366 or on the Internet. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm07/cm07.pdf [pdf]
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