National statistics from the past decade demonstrate a gradual decline in the number of child abuse cases reported annually. Yet the fact remains that on average, child abuse is reported every 10 seconds in this country, and 3 children die from maltreatment everyday. 

There is often uncertainty about what constitutes child abuse. Child abuse is by definition highly variable, because it is termed both at the federal and state level. However, each state must abide by the minimum standards established by the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), which defines child abuse 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 of failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm”.

In Pennsylvania, child abuse entails all forms of physical, mental, sexual, and neglect injuries. In 2006, the state reported a total of 1,807 physical injuries, 49 mental injuries, 3,976 sexual injuries, and 257 neglect injuries. The majority of physical, mental and sexual abuse victims were 5 to 14 years old, while the majority of neglect victims were 1 to 4 years old. 

In the last decade, Pennsylvania witnessed a rise in the number of suspected reports of child abuse (from 22,688 in 1997 to 23,181 in 2006), and a decline in the number of substantiated reports (from 5,691 in 1997 to 4,152 in 2006). These numbers suggest that people today are reporting more cases of suspected child abuse than before. By law, health care providers, teachers, social workers, foster and daycare providers, and police officers are responsible for reporting suspected maltreatment to a child protective services agency.

Philadelphia’s statistics are consistent with the state’s. In 2006, there were 1,092 substantiated cases of child abuse, signaling a 7% decrease from 2005, and a 35% decrease since 1997. Unfortunately, the number of deaths resulting from child abuse rose from 11 in 2003, to 15 in 2004, and 17 in 2005. Furthermore, in 2006, Philadelphia had the highest number of suspected and substantiated reports of child abuse than any other county in the state.

National studies suggest that some children may be at greater risk for child abuse. In 2005, approximately 55% of victims were ages 7 and under, 50% were white, 23% were African American, and 17% were Hispanic. In 2006, girls comprised of 64% of physical abuse victims, and 78% of sexually abused victims. 46% of maltreatment victims were living with a single parent in 2006.

While the numbers appear to be moving in the right direction, we must remember that child abuse is only accounted for when reported. We all have a communal responsibility to educate ourselves about the signs of child abuse, preventative measures, reporting procedures, and treatment options. Let us work together to make Philadelphia a safer place for our children.