Some Facts and Figures about Child Abuse

Child abuse is a relatively common problem in our society, and it takes many different forms. It can include physical abuse (broken bones, brain injury, bites, burns), sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and, most commonly, neglect. It is estimated that 4 million children a year are abused in some manner in the U.S., although probably less than half of all cases are reported.

At least two thousand children die each year as a result of abuse (Council on Scientific Affairs: AMA diagnostic and treatment guidelines concerning child abuse and neglect. JAMA 1985; 254:1483-1486; US Dept of Health and Human Services , The Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect; 1996, Washington, US Government Printing Office).