statistics on child abuse

We Never Forget that behind every statistic is a real child who needs our help.

• In FY 2012, there were nearly 7,831 confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect in Region 7.* For 7,656 of those children, the perpetrator was a parent.

• 64,366 children and teens were confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect in the State of Texas during FY 2012 and of those, there were 3,045 confirmed victims in Travis County.**

• Texas has the most fatalities from child abuse and neglect and ranks last in per capita spending on child-abuse prevention, according to a study conducted by Texans Care for Children, a child-advocacy agency.

• Children who have been abused and neglected are least 25% more likely to experience problems such as delinquency, teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, drug use, and mental health problems. (Study by Kelley, Thornberry, & Smith, 1997)

• As many as 80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at age 21 -- including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and suicide attempts. ***

• One third of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children.***

• According to the Texas Commission on Children and Youth, children who grow up in violent homes are:

• 6 times more likely to commit suicide
• 24 times more likely to commit sexual assault
• 74 times more likely to commit crimes against another person
• 50 times more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs

* Region 7 is an area of 30 Texas counties that includes Travis County.
** Information obtained from Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
*** Child Welfare Information Gateway