Child Abuse

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child.

Forms include:

  • neglect
  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • exploitation
  • emotional abuse
  • social media and sextortion

Statistics

16%

Of children abused in residential care involved female abusers

70%

Of children who die from abuse are under the age of 4

95%

Of children know their abuser

5

Children die each day from child abuse

8

Cases of child abuse are reported each day

1 in 3

girls will be sexually abused by the age of 18

1 in 5

boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18

A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds

Georgia is ranked 38th in the nation for child well-being

Risk Factors for Child Abuse in the Home

Risk Factors include:

  • Domestic violence
  • Caregiver alcohol and/or drug abuse
  • Untreated mental illness
  • Lack of parenting skills
  • Stress and lack of support