About Child Abuse in the U.S.

There are nearly 3 million child abuse cases REPORTED each year. Experts say the actual number is closer to 9 million, since most go unreported. This puts child abuse at epidemic proportions in this country. Each day nearly 4 children die from child abuse. Child abuse costs the U.S. economy $250 Million dollars a DAY. It's time we do something.

You occasionally catch a heartbreaking story on the news but there are so many abused children who suffer silently with no hope. It is time that we stop waiting for these cases to go to the extreme before these kids get help. That quiet child in class or the troubled teen you write off as a problem child might actually be victims. Imagine feeling unprotected, unloved and unsafe.

Not sure you can make a difference? You can. There are so many causes out there that are worthy of our time, money and attention. Don’t our children deserve to be one of them? You can help us fight for these kids.

Feel proud that you are helping to keep America's children safe. Every day we see kids neglected, abandoned, and abused. Too often we do nothing! Take pride in yourself and put aside your fear, outrage and discomfort . BE A VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN.

Our goal is to educate people in knowing the long term effects of ineffective parenting, child abuse and neglect, and the myths and the misconceptions of the terms “Child Abuse”, “That it will not happen to my child or family”; Our goal is to work with families and lawmakers, help victims and prevent abuse through education. There are so many ways you can help us – distribute materials, volunteer with our group or donate.

Categories of Child Maltreatment

Definitions	Examples
Physical Abuse
Acts that caused or could have caused physical injury or death	Severe beatings Burns, bites, and bruises Fractures Shaking of infants and young children
Sexual Abuse or Exploitation
Involvement of the child in sexual activity to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator	Contacts for sexual purposes, molestation, statutory rape, prostitution, pornography, exposure, incest
Emotional Abuse
Acts or omissions other than physical abuse or sexual abuse that caused or could have caused behavioral, cognitive, affective or other mental disorders	Verbal abuse or withholding emotional support; Unreasonable demands on child to perform above capabilities; Using shameful or bizarre forms of punishment
Neglect
Failure to provide a child with age-appropriate care although having the financial means to do so or offered assistance to do so	Failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, or adequate supervision
Child Endangerment (Some States)
Negligence that could reasonably have been anticipated to cause a child cruel or excessive physical or mental pain	Letting person who behaves in an irresponsible or violent manner supervise child; Allowing a child to witness family violence, the manufacture of illegal drugs or other felony offenses

Resources and Links

CASA
International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
Child Welfare Information Gateway
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
National Exchange Club Foundation
Childhelp
The Shaken Baby Alliance
Love Our Children Usa
Prevent Child Abuse
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Foster Care in America - support group for those who are or have been in the system
Child Welfare League of America
National Clearinghouse For Alcohol and Drug Information