The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Course For Mandated Reporters

Prevalence and Impacts

The prevalence of child abuse and maltreatment in the United States is alarming and the impacts are long lasting. Every 36 seconds a child is confirmed as being abused or neglected and everyday four children are killed by child abuse or neglect (Children's Defense Fund, 2004).

Four million children a year suffer from abuse in the United States. These numbers are underestimated, as it is believed that about half the number of abuse incidences go unreported (National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems).

In the year 2001, an average of 2,475 children were found to be victims of child abuse each day in the United States. Of the confirmed cases, 59 percent were victims of neglect, 19 percent were physically abused, 10 percent sexually abused and seven percent were emotionally abused.(National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems)

Children from all walks of life are victims of child abuse and neglect regardless of their socioeconomic, ethnic or racial background. Although they are from all ages, the youngest children are the most vulnerable. Children less than a year old accounted for 41% of child abuse and neglect deaths reported in 2001, while 85 % of the children were under the age of six. (US Department of Health and Human Services)

Children are victimized again when we fail to protect them. Social workers are well aware of the cycle of abuse and the need to break it.

There are many risk factors that may result in child abuse and neglect like the stress, depression, or substance abuse of the caregiver. Adult survivors of child abuse and neglect are at risk for maltreating their own children. When it comes to the profile of a perpetrator, it is the parent who is most likely to have inflicted the abuse or neglect.

Abuse, maltreatment, and neglect can take many forms and can have long lasting effects. The impact of abuse is far greater than its immediate, visible effects. Abuse and neglect are associated with short- and long-term consequences that may include brain damage, developmental delays, learning disorders, and problems forming relationships, aggressive behavior and depression. Survivors of abuse and neglect may be at greater risk for problems later in life- such as low academic achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy, and criminal behavior- that affect not just the child and family, but society as a whole (US Department of Health and Human Services).

Children, who witness domestic violence or have experienced abuse, mistakenly learn that violence is the way to handle conflict. They may also know that treating problems this way is not the solution, but may not be aware of appropriate alternatives.

Children with disabilities and special needs are especially susceptible populations yet their abuse and neglect often go unreported, especially with regard to sexual abuse.