Related Experiment Videos
Child abuse
1Department of Emergency and Ambulatory Services, Naples Community Hospital and Affiliate, USA.
The Journal of the Florida Medical Association
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Child abuse and maltreatment affect over 22 in 1,000 children annually in the U.S., with millions of incidents reported each year. Sadly, only half of these cases reach child protective services, highlighting a critical reporting gap.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Child abuse and maltreatment are significant public health issues in the United States.
- Estimates suggest over 1 million incidents of physical, emotional, or sexual maltreatment occur annually.
- Child abuse is a leading cause of death among children, resulting in 2,500 to 5,000 fatalities each year.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of child abuse and maltreatment in the U.S.
- To underscore the underreporting of child abuse incidents to protective services.
- To provide resources for physicians addressing child abuse.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national statistics on child abuse and maltreatment.
- Review of data on reported versus estimated incidents of child abuse.
- Compilation of resources for medical professionals.
Main Results:
- Approximately 22.6 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. experienced abuse or neglect in 1990.
- Only about half of all child abuse and neglect incidents are reported to child protective services.
- Significant gap exists between the incidence of child maltreatment and its official reporting.
Conclusions:
- Child abuse and maltreatment represent a widespread problem with substantial annual occurrence.
- Underreporting is a major challenge, preventing timely intervention and support for affected children.
- Physicians play a crucial role in identifying and reporting child abuse, necessitating accessible resources and support systems.