29 children died as a result of child abuse in fiscal year 2007. 27 of those children were aged 4 or under.
Last year, between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007, 46,511 children were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect. 6,487 children were founded as victims of abuse or neglect. An additional 30,289 children were referred for a family assessment.
Who were the Victims?
- 59% of victims were white, 34.5% were black.
- 0.8% were Asian.
- 5.7% were multiracial.
Type of abuse/neglect
- Physical Abuse 27.9%
- Physical Neglect 61.1%
- Sexual Abuse 13.9%
- Mental Abuse/Neglect 1.1%
- Medical Neglect 2.5%
The cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States is estimated at $258 million per day, according to a Prevent Child Abuse America study. Abused and neglected children are more likely to exhibit behavior disorders, to become teen parents, to need special education and remedial help in school, to abuse alcohol and drugs, and to enter the juvenile justice system.
Child abuse and neglect are often characterized as part of a cycle because parents who suffered abuse as children often end up abusing their own children. The cycle of child abuse can be broken when families at risk receive family support services and parenting education, child abuse prevention experts say.
HOW CAN CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT BE PREVENTED?
Recognize the warning signs: parents under chronic stress, children exhibiting negative and anxious behaviors, signs of physical abuse.
Encourage families under stress to seek out support services.
Call the 1-800-CHILDREN support line.
Report suspected child abuse and neglect. Call your local social services department or call the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at
1-800-552-7096.
For more statistics go to Virginia Social Services - CPS Statistics
For national statistics go to Prevent Child Abuse America