In 2022, about 1,955 children died due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when 1,852 children died due to abuse or maltreatment across the country.
Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022
Characteristic
Number of victims
2022
1,955
2021
1,852
2020
1,818
2019
1,825
2018
1,765
2017
1,691
2016
1,708
2015
1,603
2014
1,585
2013
1,551
2012
1,621
2011
1,575
2010
1,563
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
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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.
Data for years 2007 to 2017 has been taken from previous releases.
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US Department of Health and Human Services, & Administration for Children & Families. (January 29, 2024). Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 03, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, und Administration for Children & Families. "Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022." Chart. January 29, 2024. Statista. Accessed May 03, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families. (2024). Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 03, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services, and Administration for Children & Families. "Number of Child Fatalities Due to Abuse or Maltreatment in The United States from 2007 to 2022." Statista, Statista Inc., 29 Jan 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
US Department of Health and Human Services & Administration for Children & Families, Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/ (last visited May 03, 2025)
Number of child fatalities due to abuse or maltreatment in the United States from 2007 to 2022 [Graph], US Department of Health and Human Services, & Administration for Children & Families, January 29, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/254919/number-of-child-fatalities-due-to-abuse-or-maltreatment-in-the-us/
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