Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
The Warning Signs of Child Abuse (Part A)
Child abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States. About 905,000 children become victims of child abuse each year, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This means that 12 out of every 1,000 children are affected by physical abuse.
The long-term effects of child abuse are devastating.
Those who have been affected by child abuse may face physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral problems. In extreme cases, the child may even die as a result of abuse and or neglect.
There are many warning signs of child abuse.
If you know a child who is the victim of physical abuse, it is important to get help for them as quickly as possible. The Department of Children and Families offers resources to help abused and neglected children.
Next, you should consult with a Boston child abuse lawyer who specializes in child abuse cases in Massachusetts. It is important that the lawyer you choose has successfully handled child abuse cases and understands the intricacies of child abuse and neglect.
Child Abuse Statistics
Child abuse is a serious problem. ChildHelp.org states that there is not one particular group that is more prone to child abuse and neglect than others – abuse occurs in every ethnic, cultural, religious, and socio-economic group.
Here are some chilling physical child abuse statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
- A case of child abuse is reported every ten seconds.
- Children under the age of 3 are more likely to experience child abuse.
- Approximately 1,500 children die as a result of abuse and neglect each year.
- 79% of children killed by abuse are under the age of four.
- Approximately 80% of abuse victims will develop a psychiatric disorder before the age of 21.
- One-third of all child abuse victims will go on to abuse their own children.
Child Abuse Factors
It is hard to believe that anyone would hurt a child; however, there are several factors that come into play in child abuse cases.
These may include:
- Family history of abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Stress
- Lack of a support system
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse
Continue to The Warning Signs of Child Abuse (Part B) >>
