The Coastal Empire R.O.C.K. Group

Child maltreatment is a devastating problem affecting millions of children each year in the United States.  Three children DIE every day.  In Georgia, a child is a victim of child abuse every thirty minutes.  Children can't stop child abuse -- but YOU can.  In state fiscal year 2006:

• 96,511 reports of child abuse were made to the Department of Family and Children Services (GA Protective Services Data System FY 2006)
• Over 80% of the maltreaters were the child's biological parent.
• Most child abuse occurred in the victim's home
• 64% of the children involved were younger than 9 years old.
• One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before age 18.
• In 70% of child sexual abuse cases, the abuse lasts more than five years.
• 65% of all child abuse cases is NEVER reported. (Child Help USA)
• 96% of all child deaths related to abuse are determined to be preventable. (GA Child Fatality Review Annual Report)
• In deaths from confirmed child abuse, 70% were children under the age of three years old.
• 51% of lifetime rapes occur prior to age 18 and 29% prior to age 12. (National Crime Victims Research Center.)

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect

• A child with repeated injuries such as bruises, welts, burns, or bald spots.
• A child who is withdrawn, angry, depressed, aggressive.
• A child who exhibits extremes in behavior such as being excessively aggressive or overly compliant.
• A child who is afraid to go with a caretaker or clinging and not wanting to separate.
• A child who is inadequately dressed, is consistently hungry, physically dirty or tired or unsupervised or not receiving needed medical treatment.
• A child who has knowledge of sexual terms and behaviors inappropriate for the age level
• A child who has difficulty walking or sitting or has stained and bloody underclothing.
• A child who has habit disorders such as sucking, rocking or destructive behaviors including delinquency.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please contact your county child protective services office.  If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police.  Child abuse reports, made in good faith, are protected by law even if the abuse in not substantiated.