Every 6 hours a child dies in the United States due to abuse or neglect

Child abuse is an American epidemic. In 2005, more than 3.5 million children were reported as victims of child abuse or neglect. The staggering truth is that before today is over, four children will DIE because their little bodies cannot bear any more abuse.

Child abuse kills more children in America than accidental falls, choking on food, suffocation or fires in the home. It is sad to reflect on how many innocent and vulnerable children are living in homes where abuse is a routine part of life. The statistics tell the heartbreaking tale...

In 2005, 1,460 children DIED from abuse or neglect While the rate of deaths from abuse has been decreasing, it is still far too high! 80% of these losses were children age 4 or younger. Infants under one year of age are the most common fatalities.

Another 899,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect 564,500 suffered neglect 149,000 were physically abused 83,500 were sexually abused 64,000 were psychologically or emotionally abused

The youngest children are the most abused Children age 3 and younger are consistently the most victimized group.

One in 3-4 girls and one in 6 boys have been molested by age 18 Boys report less than girls 70-90% of the molesters are family members or friends 62% of pregnant and parenting teens were raped, molested, or sexually assaulted prior to their first pregnancy.

Children who have been abused or neglected are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles and 30% more likely to commit a violent crime as an adult.

Child abuse happens in all ethnic groups In 2005, African-American children, American Indian or Alaska Native children, and Pacific Islander children had the highest rates of victimization. White and Hispanic children had the next highest rates, and Asian children had the lowest rate.

Women are more likely to be held responsible for neglecting their children than men Younger mothers tend to be more likely to neglect or abuse their children than older mothers.

More than 8 out of 10 abused children are abused by their own parents Mothers are most often the perpetrators. They either physically abuse their children or severely neglect meeting their basic needs of food and safe shelter. Fathers, step-fathers, friends, and neighbors are generally the perpetrators of sexual abuse.

If one child in the family is being abused - generally other children are also.

Child abuse is a cycle... 1/3 of abused or neglected children will eventually victimize their own children. If left unchecked, child abuse perpetuates itself. Community awareness and preventive programs targeted at educating and retraining parents can break the cycle of abuse!

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