Child abuse in the U.S. - victims by race/ethnicity 2021

In 2021, there were about 588,229 victims of child abuse in the United States. In that year, about 136,468 children of Hispanic origin were reported to be abused in the country. A further 122,192 African-American children were the victims of abuse in that year.

Number of child abuse cases in the United States in 2021, by race/ethnicity of the victim

Characteristic	Number of child abuse cases
White	243,477
Hispanic	136,468
African-American	122,192
Multiple race	33,244
American Indian or Alaska Native	7,829
Asian	5,416
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	1,303
Unknown	19,505

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Release date

February 2023

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Region

United States

Survey time period

2021

Supplementary notes

Based on State submissions to National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) of alleged child abuse and neglect. NCANDS collects case level data on children who received child protective services response in the form of an investigative or alternative response. Each state has its own definition of child abuse and neglect based on standards set by federal law. Child abuse is defined as any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk or serious harm.

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