According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 3.3 Million children were abused in America in 2010 – latest numbers derived from reports by teachers, police officers, lawyers, health care providers, and social services staff.  Based on these reports, child abuse is recognized under four (4) categories – Neglect; Physical; Sexual; and Psychological Maltreatment. It’s important to note that even though 3.3 million may seem high, research shows that this number is not definitive, since a myriad of child abuse cases go unreported each year. The following highlights a variety of key statistics around child abuse and neglect:

Percentage Breakdown of the Reported 3.3 Million Abused Children:

• 4 years old or younger – 34.4 percent
• 4  to 7 years old – 23.4 percent
•  8  to 11 years old –  18.7 percent
• 12 to 15 year olds – 17.3 percent
• 16 to 17 year olds – 6.2 percent

Percentage Breakdown of Child Abuse Perpetrators by Race and Ethnicity:

• Whites – 49.2 percent
• African American – 20.0 percent
• Hispanic – 19.0 percent
•  Asian –  1.1 percent
• Native American – 1.1 percent
• Pacific Islander  – 0.2 percent
• .9 percent multiple or decent race
• 9.4 percent  of race not reported

Percentage Breakdown of Abuse Types Experienced by Victims**:

• Neglect – 78.3 percent
• Physical – 17.6 percent
•  Sexual –  9.2 percent
• Psychologically Maltreated – 8.1 percent
• Medical Neglect – 2.4 percent
• Other – 10.3 percent

**Please note that the percentage breakdown of abuse types totals more than 100 percent, because a child can experience more than one category of abuse.