How many children each year are abused or neglected?
In 1999, there were an estimated 826,000 victims of maltreatment nationwide. Equivalent to a rate of 11.8 victims per 1,000 children, this demonstrated a decrease from the 1998 rate of 12.6. 2. What types of children are abused or neglected? Child abuse and neglect affects children of all ages. Nationally, in 1999, almost three-fifths of all victims (58.4%) suffered from neglect and the most victimized children were in the 0-3 age group. Female victims slightly outnumbered male victims, especially in cases of sexual abuse. African-American children had the highest maltreatment rates, followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Whites, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. 3. Who perpetrates abuse and neglect on children? A perpetrator is defined as someone who has maltreated a child while in a caretaking relationship to the child. In 1999, most child abuse and neglect victims (87.3%) were maltreated by one or both parents. Other persons in caretaking roles, such as other relatives,