Child Abuse 101
Facts About Child Abuse
Child Abuse is more than physical bruises. Ignoring a child's needs, leaving them unsupervised and making them feel stupid is also child abuse. Here is more information regarding child abuse.
Prevalence
- One in five girls is sexually abused before age 16. [1]
- One in six boys is sexually abused before age 16. [2]
- Sexual abuse of boys is common, underreported, under-recognized and under-treated. [3]
- The majority of sexual abuse of children is done by someone the child knows. [4]
- No more than 10-30% of the offenders were strangers. [5]
Costs
Child abuse and neglect costs our nation $220 million every day [6]. Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center's Personal Safety Skills for Children Course costs less than $25.00 per child. That means if we prevent abuse in just one in 4,000 children we reach, we have saved money- not to mention the immeasurable suffering.
Numbers
- In Cuyahoga County, 2,910 children were substantiated as victims of child abuse or neglect. [7]
- In 2009 in Ohio, there were 41,449 substantiated cases of child abuse. [8]
- In America, there is an estimated 905,000 children substantiated as victims of child abuse or neglect. [9]
- Over 85% of abusive parents were abused or neglected themselves.
- Prison population studies show that 80-90% of all inmates were abused as children.
Myths & Facts
- In Cuyahoga County, 2,910 children were substantiated as victims of child abuse or neglect. [7]
- In 2009 in Ohio, there were 41,449 substantiated cases of child abuse. [8]
- In America, there is an estimated 905,000 children substantiated as victims of child abuse or neglect. [9]
- Over 85% of abusive parents were abused or neglected themselves.
- Prison population studies show that 80-90% of all inmates were abused as children.
Myths & Facts
MYTH #1: It's only abuse if it's violent.
Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene.
MYTH #2: Only bad people abuse their children.
Fact: While it's easy to say that only "bad people" abuse their children, it's not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem.
MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families.
Fact: Child abuse doesn't only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.
MYTH #4: Most child abusers are strangers.
Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.
MYTH #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.
Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Help is available.
To get help, call our Family Helpline: 216.229.8800.
To report child abuse in Cuyahoga County, OH, call 216.696.KIDS (5437)
________________________________
[1] Finkelhor, D. "Answers to Important Questions about the Scope and Nature of Child Sexual Abuse", Future of Children. 1994; 4(2). Los Altos, CA: David and Lucille Packard Foundation.
[2] Holmes, W.C. & Slap, G.B. "Sexual Abuse of Boys: Definition, Prevalence, Sequelae, and Management". Journal of the American Medical Association. 1998; 280 (21): 1855-1872
[3] Fact Sheet: Sexual Abuse of Boys." Prevent Child Abuse America. (website: www.preventchildabuse.org)
[4] "Recognizing Sexual Abuse of Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers," Ryther Child Center (website: www.ryther.org/resources.htm).
[5] Finkelhor.
[6] Gelles, Richard J., & Perlman, Staci (2012). Estimated Annual Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect. Chicago IL: Prevent Child Abuse America.
[7] NEO CANDO system, Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development, MSASS, Case Western Reserve University (http:neocando.case.edu)
[8] "Child Maltreatment 2006." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2007.
[9] "Child Maltreatment"
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5466 • Cleveland, OH 44101
