Statistics
Every hour of every day, there is allegation of child abuse in Connecticut.
Important Facts:

- A child is abused or neglected every 47 seconds in the U.S.
- More than 3 million children are subjects of at least one child abuse case each year.
- 1 in 10 (1 in 7 girls and 1 in 25 boys) children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
- The median age for reported abuse is nine years old.
- 90% of perpetrators are individuals the child knows.
- In 2013, it was estimated that more than 1,500 children died from abuse and neglect.
- 1 in 5 youth, ages 10 to 17, receive sexual solicitation or are approached online.
- Only one third of households with internet access protect their children with filtering or blocking software.


How do I know?

- Evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused. Only around 38% of child victims disclose the face that they have been sexually abused. Of these, 40% tell a close friend rather than an adult or authority, which does not always result in a formal report.
- Please refer to the National Children’s Advocacy Center link for a full list of abuse signs and symptoms of both children and parents.
- childwelfare.gov
TheLong-Term Effects of Child Abuse:
Health and Behavioural Problems
Sexually abused children who report their abuse and are not believed or do not receive appropriate care are at greater risk for psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems throughout their lifetime. It is extremely important to react calmly, appropriately and remain supportive if a child reports abuse.
Drug and/or Alcohol Problems
Victims of child sexual abuse are at greater risk for developing drug and alcohol-related problems. Reports indicate that adolescents with a history of child sexual abuse demonstrate a three to four-fold increase in rates of substance abuse and dependence.
Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Health
Girls who are victims of sexual abuse are 2.2 times more likely to become teen mothers. Forty-five percent of pregnant teens report a history of child abuse. Abused or neglected children are also more likely to engage in sexual risk-taking as they reach adolescence, thereby increasing their chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Victims of child sexual abuse are at a higher risk for rape in adulthood, and the rate of risk increases according to the severity of the child sexual abuse experiences.
Crime
Children who have experienced abuse are nine times more likely to become involved in criminal activities.
Many Victims - One Perpetrator
Seventy percent of child sex offenders report having between one and nine victims. Twenty percent reports having as many as 40 victims.
Societal Consequences
The lifetime cost of child maltreatment and related fatalities in one year totals $124 Billion, according to a study funded by the CDC. According to studies, adverse childhood experiences were associated with an increased likelihood of employment problems, financial problems, and absenteeism.