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

In the United States, more boys died than girls due to child abuse or maltreatment. In 2021, around 599 girls died due to abuse, compared to 878 boys who died in the same year.

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

Characteristic	Number of victims
Boys	878
Girls	599
Unknown	1

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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 44 out of 52 U.S. states.

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