National Statistics
In 1998, over 3 million children were reported for child abuse and neglect to child protective service agencies in the United States.

Currently about 47 out of every 1000 children are reported as victims of child maltreatment.

Current North Carolina Statistics
100,682 children* were reported as abused and neglected (SFY 1999-2000).
31,828 of these children were confirmed as victims.
21 children died from child abuse homicide during the 1999 calendar year.

Guilford County Statistics
5,255 children were reported as abused or neglected (1999)
1,710 of these children were confirmed as victims
1,019 of these children who were confirmed as victims were between the ages of birth and 6 years old

Child abuse cuts across all socio-economic groups, race, and religion.

Most people who abuse or neglect their children are ordinary people whose stressors overwhelm their coping skills.

Substance abuse, lack of knowledge of child development, single parenting, isolation, poverty, a history of domestic violence, and many other factors may contribute to the likelihood that a child will be abused.

Children who are abused are at a higher risk for crime, substance abuse, dropping out, teen pregnancy and a host of other social ills.