People often think that child abuse cases are something that happens in other families and other neighborhoods, but not close to them. But everyone should be aware that victims of child abuse come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, living situations, and races.

Child abuse statistics showed that 1,820 children died from abuse and neglect, and 4 million child maltreatment referral reports were received in 2021. The data also show that 80.3% of child fatalities involve at least one parent, and 45.6% of children who die from child abuse are one year old.

It’s not the proverbial stranger who poses the most danger to children, but the people entrusted to care for them. And it’s not just men who harm children, 54 percent of reported abusers were women and 45 percent were men.

For 2021, it was reported that over 600,000 children were victims of neglect and abuse in the US.

Yolanda Renteria, LPC, says “It’s important for adults to learn to trust their gut when it comes to child abuse. People often minimize or dismiss harmful behaviors because they are afraid of being wrong, leaving children unprotected in situations in which they are completely powerless”.

If you are a victim of child abuse or know someone who might be, call or text theChildhelp National Child Abuse Hotlineat1-800-422-4453to speak with a professional crisis counselor.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are a victim of child abuse or know someone who might be, call or text theChildhelp National Child Abuse Hotlineat1-800-422-4453to speak with a professional crisis counselor.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

What Is Parentification?

Child Abuse Cases and Stories

These child abuse cases and stories straight from the headlines of newspapers can help to highlight how common child abuse is so that everyone may be more likely to report suspected child abuse and neglect:

“Severe psychological abuse and neglect can go undetected due to the absence of physical wounds,” says Renteria.

The Importance of Reporting

Unfortunately, many more cases of child abuse go unreported. If you think a child is being abused or neglected, report it.

Many people are reluctant to pry or to question other people’s parenting “styles,” but if their behavior appears abusive or suspicious, trust your gut and contact the authorities.

Most states have achild abuse reporting numberor hotline that you can use so that child welfare specialists can investigate suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Help for Parents Wrongly Accused of Child Abuse

3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society for the Positive Care of Children.Child Maltreatment Statistics. 2023.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth & Families, Children’s Bureau.Child Maltreatment.National Children’s Alliance.National statistics on child abuse. 2023

3 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society for the Positive Care of Children.Child Maltreatment Statistics. 2023.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth & Families, Children’s Bureau.Child Maltreatment.National Children’s Alliance.National statistics on child abuse. 2023

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Society for the Positive Care of Children.Child Maltreatment Statistics. 2023.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth & Families, Children’s Bureau.Child Maltreatment.National Children’s Alliance.National statistics on child abuse. 2023

American Society for the Positive Care of Children.Child Maltreatment Statistics. 2023.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth & Families, Children’s Bureau.Child Maltreatment.

National Children’s Alliance.National statistics on child abuse. 2023

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