Child Abuse, Victims of

General Characteristics of Victims of Child Abuse

Children living below the poverty line are at the greatest risk for child abuse. Physical is 12 times more common in poor families, while neglect is up to 18 times more common in poor families. In contrast, the incidence of sexual abuse occurs among all strata of society. Incidents of abuse related to racial differences are believed to be a function of the disproportionate impact of poverty, stress and disadvantaged minority children and their families. Indeed, children of African American, American Indian, and Alaskan Native descent, as well as children of multiple races have the highest rates of victimization compared to children from Caucasian and Hispanic families.

Family structure also plays a role in child abuse. Children from single-parent families are twice as likely to be abused compared to children who live with two parents. Children living with only a father are more at risk for physical abuse than those living with only a mother. Children of reconstituted families also are at a higher risk for abuse.

Vulnerable children also may be at greater risk for abuse. An association has been found between maltreatment and birth complications, such as low birth rate and premature birth. As well, children who are chronically ill, behaviorally and/or emotionally disordered, or who have physical or developmental disabilities (or multiple disabilities) also are at greater risk. Children with disabilities pose higher emotional, physical, economic, and social demands on their families, which may increase the risk of abuse by care-givers with limited, social or community support. Children with disabilities are considered easy targets because their impaired communication skills may prevent them from disclosing abuse. Studies to date have been unable to assess the extent or rate of abuse among children with disabilities or to determine whether disabilities were present before the abuse or were the direct result of maltreatment.

While children of all ages can be victims of abuse, younger children are the most common victims of physical abuse and neglect. Nearly half of all physically abused children are under the age of 8. Half of reported child neglect victims are under 5 years of age, the majority being under just 1 year of age. Children in these age ranges appear to be the most vulnerable and suffer the most significant consequences, such as “failure to thrive,” which is a condition characterized by a cessation in growth. Serious injuries and fatalities from neglect also are more common for younger children than for older children. In North America, roughly, a one-third of neglected children eventually die from neglect. Sexual abuse is more common among older age groups (over the age of 12). Overall, the rate of victimization declines with increasing age except for sexual abuse.

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