A Significant Drop
The incidence of physical abuse fell from 3.0 victims per 1,000 children in 2000 to 2.1 victims per 1,000 children in 2009.
This Data Snapshot examines child maltreatment trends at the state and national level. It draws on data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, which includes information provided by states on investigated reports of maltreatment. Child Trends has produced a companion Data Snapshot publication that analyzes state and national trends in foster care.
The overall rate of child maltreatment in America dropped from 11 victims per 1,000 children in 2000 to 9.4 victims per 1,000 children in 2009. Rates of neglect — the most common type of maltreatment — remained stable, hovering around 7.1 victims per 1,000 children between 2000 and 2009.