Child Abuse Facts
Resources for the prevention and recognition of sexual abuse of children
- Sexual Abuse of Children - Child molesters tell parents what to look out for if they suspect a child is being sexually abused.
- Prevent Sexual Abuse - Child Welfare Gateway publication gives complete information on preventing child sexual abuse.
- Mandated Reporting in Pennsylvania - PFSA Director of Training Tina Phillips is interviewed by Ryan Lencl of ESPN. Hear the interview here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Abuse and Neglect
Q: How many cases of child abuse and neglect occur in Pennsylvania?
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About nine of every 1,000 Pennsylvania children were reported as victims of suspected abuse in 2010, while about one of every 1,000 Pennsylvania children was substantiated as a victim of abuse. In absolute numbers, 24,615 cases of suspected child and student abuse were reported in Pennsylvania in 2010. Of these, 3,656 cases, or 15 percent, were substantiated. Sixty-seven percent of substantiated victims were girls; 33 percent were boys.
Q: How does this compare with other years?
Q: What is the result of abuse?
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Thirty-three children died from abuse in 2010, a decrease of ten from the previous year. Parents (or those with a parental relationship to the child) accounted for nearly 61 percent of substantiated abuse perpetrators.
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Substantiated reports of child abuse in 2010 accounted for 4,810 injuries to children. Physical injuries ranged from bruises, cuts, and abrasions to broken bones, skull fractures, and scaldings. The majority of injuries, more than 63% were sexual in nature, ranging from sexual assault to rape and incest.
Q: Where does child abuse occur?
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Unfortunately, the problem of child abuse is universal. Last year it occurred in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania—urban, suburban, and rural. It can and does happen where we all live. That’s one important reason we all need to be aware and we all need to be prepared to report suspected child abuse.
Q: What does the term “mandated reporter” mean?
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Mandated reporters are people who are required by law to report child abuse. Generally, these are people who by the nature of their jobs come in contact with children on a regular basis, such as doctors and nurses; health and social service workers; teachers and school employees; law enforcement authorities; and members of the clergy. Mandated reporters accounted for over 77 percent of reports of suspected abuse and 77 percent of reports of substantiated reports in 2009. Schools were far and away the largest single source of reports from mandated reporters.
Q: Why should we care about child abuse?
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In the end, child abuse is a tragedy for everyone involved, but especially the victims. Child victims can suffer not only physical harm, but also emotional damage—and may have to live a lifetime with the scars. That’s why it’s so important all Pennsylvanians understand the depth and breadth of the problem and what can be done about it. We are proud of our role in helping to make this happen and in being a partner with community agencies in the prevention of, intervention against, and treatment of child abuse.
Q: Can child abuse be prevented?
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Many times, yes. Family support programs can help decrease the chances of child abuse happening by addressing some of the risk factors in families. For example, the most frequently cited risk factors are listed below. By attending a family support program, the likelihood of these factors leading to abuse decreases.
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Vulnerability of the child -The Family Support Program helps to combat social isolation of parents by getting them out and socializing with other parents. This makes their children less vulnerable to abuse.
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Marginal parenting skills and knowledge – The program can assist parents in gaining better parenting skills as well as knowledge about the development of their children.
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Impaired judgment of perpetrator -Parents who attend groups get input and different perspectives from other parents in the group.
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Stress -The parents who attend support groups and classes have the opportunity to discuss their stress with other parents and get feedback from them so they know they are not the only ones who are struggling. Group members also use the time in the group to teach and practice stress reduction skills.
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Substance abuse-Parents are less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs while they are participating in a family support program. Parenting programs are a vital link to substance abuse treatment programs.
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Insufficient social or family support –The family support program becomes an informal support system for parents.
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Abuse between parental figures -The group facilitator helps the family gain access to resources in the community to help combat the abuse. The support of the group would also be essential in helping them.
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Perpetrator abused as a child-This issue may come up during group discussions and parents have the opportunity to talk with each other about how this could affect their parenting. A parenting program can also provide referrals for counseling when needed.
Learn more about child abuse and neglect and how it impacts the child, the family and society as a whole.