Child abuse can happen in any neighborhood. It cuts across ethnic, religious, and socio-economic boundaries. Factors associated with child abuse and neglect include:

• Lack of information about child development and care
• Mental and emotional problems
• Parental alcohol and drug abuse
• Unemployment and underemployment
• Domestic violence
• Inadequate support systems for parents

The National Institute of Justice reports that domestic violence costs Americans nearly $100 billion a year: $67 billion for domestic violence against adults; $32 billion from the effects of child abuse, with the remainder in related law enforcement costs.

Drug and/or alcohol abuse occurs in at least 50% of cases reported to child welfare authorities.

Each year, about 10 million children are affected by parental substance abuse.

Nationally, in 1998, over 2.7 million children were reported as abused or neglected, with a third of these reports confirmed. It is estimated that 3 children die each day as a result of maltreatment.

Each week in Hawai`i

• 35 children are reported as victims of physical abuse (non-accidental injury at the hands of a caregiver);
• 28 are reported as victims of neglect (parental failure to meet basic needs such as adequate food, shelter, safety, and affection);
• 20 are reported as victims of abuse and neglect; and
• 9 children are reported as victims of sexual abuse and exploitation

The rate of child abuse and neglect is especially high among the youngest children, from birth to age two (25% of all cases in Hawai`i). Infants and toddlers are most likely to be victims of major injury, while preschoolers are most likely to suffer neglect.

Girls are more likely to be abused than boys, particularly sexually abused. Boys are more likely to suffer serious injury.

Biological and step parents are the perpetrators in over 80% of all cases.

The effects of childhood abuse can cause problems for both victims and society. It can arrest development, impede learning, and cause I.Q. levels to drop. Childhood abuse increases the chances of social, mental, and physical problems which may result in learning disabilities, depression, suicide, drug abuse, violence, and various criminal behaviors.

Sources:
National information cited from National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (NCPAC)Hawai`i analysis by Hawai`i Kids Count, based on annual reports from Department of Human Services

U.H. Center on the Family
2515 Campus Rd. - Miller 103
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph. ( 808 ) 956-4132
Fax. ( 808 ) 956-4147

Funded by the Hawai`i Children's Trust Fund