In 2022, there were 558,899 victims of child abuse in the United States. Most cases were among young children, with 118,204 victims aged one year or younger, and a further 129,846 victims between the ages of two and five years old.
Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim
Based on State submissions to National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) of alleged child abuse and neglect. NCANDS collects case level data on children who received child protective services response in the form of an investigative or alternative response. Each state has its own definition of child abuse and neglect based on standards set by federal law. Child abuse is defined as any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk or serious harm.
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US Department of Health and Human Services, & Administration for Children & Families. (January 29, 2024). Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/
US Department of Health and Human Services, und Administration for Children & Families. "Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim." Chart. January 29, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/
US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families. (2024). Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/
US Department of Health and Human Services, and Administration for Children & Families. "Number of Cases of Child Abuse in The United States in 2022, by Age of Victim." Statista, Statista Inc., 29 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/
US Department of Health and Human Services & Administration for Children & Families, Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/ (last visited November 21, 2024)
Number of cases of child abuse in the United States in 2022, by age of victim [Graph], US Department of Health and Human Services, & Administration for Children & Families, January 29, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/203838/number-of-child-abuse-cases-in-the-us-by-age/