(Image source from: Child abuse rises in US})
The cases of the child abuse have increased by around 3% in the US, shows the new federal data. Reports by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), revealed that, the estimated number of the victimized children was 702,208 during the 2014, while it was 682,307 in 2013, fiscal year. The reports show that, the estimated fatalities attributable to child abuse cases are 1,580, which was 1,530 during 2013.
The commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Rafael Lopez, said that, child welfare officials cited mental health issues, substance abuse and domestic violence as the main factors contributing to the increase maltreatment cases. Rafael Lopez said that, “we need to shift our focus to the front-end prevention of child abuse and neglect and make sure that families get the help they need when they need it.”
According to the reports, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, New Jersey, Tennessee and Oklahoma, reported more than 30% increase in the cases of maltreatment over the last five years. The states with the highest rate of child fatalities are Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and West Virginia.
There are around 44% white children, 21% black children, 23% Hispanic children and a smaller percentage of Native Americans, Asian and mixed race in the overall victims of maltreatment. 75% of child victims suffered neglect, 17% were physically harassed, while 8.3% were sexually abused.
The reports are based on input from the state’s child protection agencies and knows as the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System.
- Nandini
