Child abuse in the U.S. - perpetrators by age 2021

In 2021, most perpetrators in child abuse cases in the United States were between the ages of 25 and 34 years old, with 182,800 perpetrators. In that same year, about 1,239 perpetrators were 75 years and older, and about 8,083 perpetrators of child abuse were of unknown age.

Number of perpetrators in child abuse cases in the United States in 2021, by age

Age	Number of perpetrators
6 - 11 years	651
12 - 17 years	7,753
18 - 24 years	63,656
25 - 34 years	182,800
35 - 44 years	124,929
45 - 54 years	38,558
55 - 64 years	14,416
65 - 74 years	4,513
75 and older	1,239
Unknown	8,083

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Release date

February 2023

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Region

United States

Survey time period

2021

Supplementary notes

A perpetrator is defined as a person who was determined to have caused or knowingly allowed the maltreatment of a child.

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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