Child Maltreatment

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Serving Children, Families, and Communities

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Child Maltreatment

Q:	What is the most common form of child maltreatment?
A:	Neglect is by far the most common form of maltreatment; in 2006, 64% of victims experienced neglect.

Percent of victims by maltreatment type*, 2006

Notes: A child was counted as a victim each time he or she was found to be a victim of maltreatment. A child may have been a victim of more than 1 type of maltreatment, and therefore, the total percent may equal more than 100%. This table is based on sample data reported by a varying number of states. 49 states (along with D.C. & Puerto Rico) provided data regarding physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse; 47 states (along with D.C. & Puerto Rico) reported on psychological maltreatment; 38 states (along with D.C. & Puerto Rico) reported on medical neglect; and 24 states (along with D.C. & Puerto Rico) reported other types of maltreatment not detailed here. Five states reported unknown or missing data on maltreatment types.

[ Text only ] [ Excel file ]

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ojstatbb/victims/qa02108.asp?qaDate=2006. Released on September 12, 2008.

Data Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. Child Maltreatment 2006. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2008.