Child abuse in the U.S. - number of fatalities, by age 2021

In 2021 in the United States, more younger children died due to abuse or maltreatment than older children. In 2021, a total 674 children that were less than one year old died due to abuse. Another 197 children who were one year old died to abuse or maltreatment in that same year.

Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States in 2021, by age of victim

Age in years	Number of victims
Less than a year	674
1	197
2	108
3	90
4	60
5	57
6	42
7	25
8	28
9	17
10	25
11	26
12	30
13	21
14	13
15	26
16	13
17	20
Unborn, unknown, and 18-21	6

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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.

Numbers shown here are based on reports of 46 out of 52 U.S. states.

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