National Statistics
Did you know that…
1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 14.
1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 16.
Only 1 in 10 children tell of their abuses.
In 2003, 906,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect.
63.2 percent of child victims experienced neglect, 18.9% were physically abused, 9.9% were sexually abused, and 4.9% were emotionally or psychologically abused.
For 2003, it is estimated that 1,500 children in the U.S. died of abuse and neglect.
U.S. Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab
Statewide Statistics
Severe physical abuse of children results in broken bones, abdominal injuries, head injuries and shaken baby syndrome abuse. Sexual child abuse includes sexual fondling, digital penetration, intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, exhibitionism, prostitution or using children for the production of pornography.
In 1998, the State of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services received reports stating that 20,478 children had been abused:
5,299 of these reports alleged physical harm to a child
1,612 of these reports alleged sexual abuse or exploitation of a child
In 1998, 16 children died as a result of abuse in South Carolina.
16 children who will never play again.
14 of these deaths were in children under the age of 3.
In 1998, 14 parents were charged with the death of their child by abuse.
Recent Statewide Stats on Child Abuse
http://www.scchildren.org/ChildrensTrust/aboutchildabuse.shtml
Local Statistics
The Department of Social Services in Spartanburg County received 496 reports of child sexual and physical abuse in 1998:
In Spartanburg County alone, an estimated 330 children are sexually abused and approximately 778 are severely physically abused each year.
The 2003 Spartanburg County Kids Count Report found that in 2000-01, there were 1,040 investigations into reported cases of abuse and neglect involving children.
Child abuse happens everywhere. It knows no boundaries of race, religion or social standing. It is a fact of life, but one that we can stop. Since child abuse is a cycle, we must stop it now. Child abuse is a legacy we can live without.
