Child Abuse and Neglect: Statistics Indicate a Serious Problem for the U.S.

The United States is home to some alarming statistics when it comes to instances of child abuse and neglect. It is estimated that more than three million reported cases of child abuse occur throughout the nation and involve more than six million children annually. Statistically, the U.S. has a relatively poor record among industrialized nations and experiences the death of four to seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.

With another report of child abuse being recorded every ten seconds, on an annual basis, referrals to state child protective agencies involve up to 6.3 million children with roughly half of these reports being opened for investigation.

Recently, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in collaboration with the Kaiser Permanente’s Appraisal Clinic, San Diego, involved more than 17,000 Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) to provide more detailed information on their experiences with the physical implications of child abuse, neglect, and overall family dysfunction. This collaboration, The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) has provided material for publication in more than 50 scientific periodicals and over 100 conference and workshop presentations.

The underlying study results of the ACE support that child abuse and child neglect remains the leading cause of deterioration of quality of life, illness and even death for our nation’s children. As these results prove critical to understand, the following statistics are indicative of the ACE study and expose just how the problems of child abuse and neglect remain one of the primary social injustices facing the U.S. today: With a high rate of abuse, six or more adverse experiences, life expectancy shortens by two decades; 

• With a high rate of abuse, six or more adverse experiences, life expectancy shortens by two decades; 
• Ischemic heart disease (IHD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), liver disease and other health issues can be tied to child abuse;
• An increase in sexual promiscuity, unplanned pregnancies, domestic violence, substance abuse, depression and suicide attempts increase when child abuse has been clearly evident throughout childhood; and
• More than 124 billion dollars is spent on child abuse and neglect issues every year, yet four or five children are lost per day. 

Aside from parental or family member abuse, one percent of child maltreatment cases involve licensed daycare providers. Although childcare is regulated to provide a safe foundation, background checks, regular inspections and investigations based on complaints may not always prevent instances of child abuse or neglect.

If you believe your child experienced an instance of abuse or neglect while under the care of a California licensed provider, the San Jose personal injury attorneys of Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. understand the repercussions child abuse can have on a child. Contact our offices today to learn more about your legal rights and our passion for protecting your child.

• Child Abuse Statistics & Facts
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)