Data & Statistics
Globally, approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10-20 men report being sexually abused as children.In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children.
More than 740,000 children and youth are treated in hospital emergency departments as a result of violence each year—that’s more than 84 every hour.
The total lifetime cost of child maltreatment is $124 billion each year.
More than 3 million reports of child maltreatment are received by state and local agencies each year—that’s nearly 6 reports every minute.
Child sexual abuse happens in all racial, religious, ethnic and age groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. Since children are abused in homes across the country, adults need to learn what makes children vulnerable, how to recognize warning signs of those who may be sexually abusing children and what to do if sexual abuse is suspected.
Most abused and neglected children never come to the attention of government authorities. This is particularly true for neglected and sexually abused children, who may have no physical signs of harm. In the case of sexual abuse, secrecy and intense feelings of shame may prevent children, and adults aware of the abuse, from seeking help. Therefore, official government statistics do not indicate actual rates of child abuse.
Government statistics are based on cases that were (a) reported to social service agencies, (b) investigated by child protection workers, and (c) had sufficient evidence to determine that a legal definition of "abuse" or "neglect" was met. In short, official government statistics are only "the tip of the iceberg."
More than 740,000 children and youth are treated in hospital emergency departments as a result of violence each year—that’s more than 84 every hour.
The total lifetime cost of child maltreatment is $124 billion each year.
More than 3 million reports of child maltreatment are received by state and local agencies each year—that’s nearly 6 reports every minute.
Child sexual abuse happens in all racial, religious, ethnic and age groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. Since children are abused in homes across the country, adults need to learn what makes children vulnerable, how to recognize warning signs of those who may be sexually abusing children and what to do if sexual abuse is suspected.
Most abused and neglected children never come to the attention of government authorities. This is particularly true for neglected and sexually abused children, who may have no physical signs of harm. In the case of sexual abuse, secrecy and intense feelings of shame may prevent children, and adults aware of the abuse, from seeking help. Therefore, official government statistics do not indicate actual rates of child abuse.
Government statistics are based on cases that were (a) reported to social service agencies, (b) investigated by child protection workers, and (c) had sufficient evidence to determine that a legal definition of "abuse" or "neglect" was met. In short, official government statistics are only "the tip of the iceberg."