In 2020, about 1,713 children died due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States. This is a decrease from the previous year, when 1,825 children died due to abuse or maltreatment across the country.
Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2020
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.
Numbers shown here are based on reports of 44-51 out of 52 U.S. states.
Data for years 2007 to 2015 has been taken from previous releases.
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US Department of Health and Human Services, & Administration for Children & Families. (January 19, 2022). Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2020 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, und Administration for Children & Families. "Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2020." Chart. January 19, 2022. Statista. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families. (2022). Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2020. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 27, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, and Administration for Children & Families. "Number of Child Fatalities Due to Abuse or Maltreatment in The United States from 2007 to 2020." Statista, Statista Inc., 19 Jan 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services & Administration for Children & Families, Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2020 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/ (last visited January 27, 2022)
