Most child abuse occurs within the family. Psychological or emotional abuse results from all of the above, but also can be associated with verbal abuse, which can harm a child's self-worth or emotional well-being. More than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser.Ĭhild neglect can include physical neglect (failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, or other physical necessities), emotional neglect (not providing love, comfort, or affection), and medical or educational neglect (not providing access to needed medical care or education), or supervisory neglect (failure to appropriately supervise). Studies suggest that up to one in five girls and one in 20 boys will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old. It also includes exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposure to pornography. It includes acts such as fondling, oral-genital contact, and genital and anal intercourse. Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that a child cannot understand or consent to. One study suggests that about 1 in 20 children has been physically abused in their lifetime. Shaking, burning, or other show of force. Physical abuse occurs when a child's body is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, There is considerable overlap among children who are abused, with many suffering a combination of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect. The majority of cases reported to Child Protective Services involve neglect, followed by physical and sexual abuse. The highest rate of child abuse is in babies less than one year of age, and 25 percent of victims are younger than age three. It is important to understand and reduce the risks of abuse for your child and be familiar with the signs of abuse and neglect.Īpproximately 4 million cases of child abuse and neglect involving almost 7 million children are reported each year. Child abuse, also known as maltreatment, is common.