Child abuse is more common in the United States than you may think—the facts speak for themselves. There are three million annual reports of child abuse, with one being made every 10 seconds. Five children die every single day due to child abuse. It’s unacceptable that the U.S. has the worst record of any industrialized nation. Potentially over half of child fatalities due to abuse are not even recorded as such—and over 80 percent of fatalities involve children under the age of four.
Child abuse can take on various forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and medical neglect. Between 2004 and 2008, there was a 1000 percent increase in complaints of child prostitution. And 300,000 youth in the U.S. were at risk of being sexually exploited for commercial use in 2009. This year, the FBI launched a 72-hour operation to rescue children and teens from sex trafficking—105 were rescued. Internet safety is also a major concern, as 93 percent of teens ages 12 to 17 go online. About three-fourths of victims in Internet sex initiated crimes are girls.
You should be on the lookout for some warning signs of abuse, including unexplained injuries, lack of hygiene or personal care, behavioral changes, inappropriate sexual behaviors, fear of home and changes in academic performance. Be vigilant and look for these signs of abuse in children you know.
To learn more, please take a look at the infographic below presented by SocialWorkDegreeCenter.com
Source: Social Work Degree Center
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