How can you support a child in need?
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and organizations are using this month to raise awareness about issues of abuse prevention. But child abuse is an issue that impacts vulnerable children all year long.
As a mandated reporter, you have a unique awareness and a deeper understanding of this issue than many others.
Here are some things you can do this month and all year to raise awareness and support efforts to prevent child abuse.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Preventing child abuse is of paramount importance as it has long-lasting and devastating effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children. Child abuse can result in severe physical injuries, developmental delays, mental health issues, and even death.
Approximately five children die each day due to child abuse.
The emotional scars of child abuse can persist into adulthood, impacting the individual’s ability to form healthy relationships, trust others, and lead a fulfilling life. Child abuse has a ripple effect on society, leading to increased healthcare costs, social welfare expenditures, and criminal justice involvement.
By prioritizing prevention strategies, such as education, awareness, early intervention, and support for at-risk families, we can safeguard the rights and well-being of children, create a safer and healthier society, and break the cycle of abuse for future generations.
Child Abuse Statistics
- 1 out of 3 girls will be sexually abused before reaching the age of 18
- 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before reaching the age of 18
- There are 3.6 million cases of child abuse reported each year
- Victims of child abuse are 11% more likely to become criminals
- 14% of imprisoned men and 36% of imprisoned women were victims of child abuse
- The most widespread form of abuse is neglect, which makes up 59% of all abuse cases
What Can You Do to Prevent Child Abuse?
For mandated reporters, the most critical step you can take to prevent child abuse is to understand how to identify and report suspected cases of child abuse.
Mandated reporters — persons required by law to report suspected abuse — are usually in close proximity to children due to their profession. This can include medical providers, teachers, daycare providers, social services, counselors, clergy, law enforcement, emergency services, and volunteers for youth-serving organizations.
Know When to Report
Staying up-to-date on mandated reporter training can help these professionals understand their legal responsibilities to report and what to look for when it comes to potential signs of abuse.
Find online training for mandated reporters at the Mandated Reporter Training platform.
Understand When to Support
Many states are updating their definitions of neglect to underscore that a family’s economic situation does not necessarily equal neglect.
Three-quarters of reports to child protective services involve allegations of neglect. Families who are experiencing poverty are far more likely to be reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) than families with more resources.
To keep families together and not remove children due to economic disadvantages, states such as California, Texas, and Kansas are redefining reportable neglect as factors that put children at risk of immediate or substantial harm.
Keep up-to-date on your state’s definitions so you can understand the difference between abuse and harmful neglect that requires a report, vs. a family in need who could use resources and support.
What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse
If you suspect that child abuse is occurring, it’s crucial to take action immediately. The safety and well-being of the child should be the top priority.
When reporting potential child abuse, it’s essential to provide as much information as possible, including any observations, signs, or disclosures from the child, without jeopardizing the child’s safety or confidentiality.
Reporting suspicions of child abuse is a moral and legal obligation, and taking prompt action can potentially save a child from further harm and provide them with the protection and support they need.
While reporting requirements can vary from state to state, the following hotlines can help people from across the US help stop suspected child abuse and neglect.
Numbers to Call
- State Child Abuse and Neglect: Click here for numbers by state
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800.4.A.CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
- CyberTipline for Missing Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
This post was originally published in 2023. It has been updated for 2025 to reflect current statistics, trends, and information about child abuse prevention and reporting.
