What is child abuse? Here are a few facts...
Child abuse occurs in all cultural, ethnic, occupational, and socioeconomic groups.
At least three children under the age of five are fatal victims of abuse every day.
A child is abused in the United States every 10 seconds.
Child abuse is a generational problem — hurtful patterns and behaviors are passed on from parents to their children and to their children’s children, creating a vicious cycle of abuse.
Child abuse can take many forms, such as:
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Physical Abuse
A child is regularly hit, hurt, or marred with marks. Objects or fists are used to harm the child. Read more...
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Neglect
A parent or caretaker fails to provide for a child’s basic needs such as food, a safe living environment or necessary clothing and medical care. In extreme cases a parent or caretaker abandons a child. Read more...
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Sexual Abuse
Sexual behavior that is not age appropriate, or adult sexual behavior with a child that goes beyond the child’s comprehension. Read more...
Emotional Abuse
Continual belittling and berating of the child and tearing down self-esteem. Emotional abuse is often a component of physical or sexual abuse. Read more...