The goal of child abuse prevention is simple—to stop child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place, sparing children and families emotional and physical trauma and decreasing the need for costly intervention and treatment services. The best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is to support families and provide children with the skills and resources they need. By learning why child abuse occurs, and how we can prevent it, we are one step closer to ending the cycle of child abuse in North Dakota.

Why Does Child Abuse Occur?

Although all the causes of child abuse and neglect are not known, a significant body of research has identified several risk factors and protective factors associated with child abuse. Studies also have shown that when there are multiple risk factors present, the risk is greater. For example, lack of preparation or knowledge of critical issues surrounding parenting, financial or other environmental stressors, difficulty in relationships, and depression or other mental health problems can all lead to abusive or neglectful behavior.

Parents may lack an understanding of their children's developmental stages and hold unreasonable expectations for their abilities. They also may be unaware of alternatives to corporal punishment or how to discipline their children most effectively at each age. Parents also may lack knowledge of the health, hygiene, and nutritional needs of their children. These circumstances, combined with the inherent challenges of raising children, can result in otherwise well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs.

Statistics:

• 7,714 -- Number of ABUSE and/or NEGLECT FULL ASSESSMENTS COMPLETED
• 6,824 -- Number of CHILDREN SUSPECTED TO BE VICTIMS
• 1,241 -- Cases where SERVICES WERE REQUIRED

TYPE of MALTREATMENT

• 185 -- Children Physically Abused
• 63 -- Children Sexually Abused
• 1,062 -- Children Neglected
• 536 -- Children Psychologically maltreated

(Children may be suspect to more than one form of maltreatment)

AVERAGE AGE OF CHILDREN - 7 years

• Male Children………………………………… 54 %
• Female Children……………………………… 46%

FAMILY STRESS FACTORS
(Families may have multiple stress factors.)

• Single Parent
• Other Family Interaction Risk Factors
• Mental/Emotional Health Problem of Caregiver
• Alcohol/Drug Misuse by Caregiver
• Mental/Emotional Health Problem of Child
• Inability to Cope with Parenting Responsibility
• Relationship Problems/Instability
• Domestic Abuse
• Disruption of Family Structure
• Birth Out of Wedlock
• Insufficient Income

SERVICES FREQUENTLY PROVIDED/ARRANGED
(Families may receive multiple services.)

• Mental Health Services/Counseling
• Addiction Services
• Case Management
• Parenting Education
• Domestic Violence Services
• Foster Care/Out of Home Placement
• Emergency Shelter Care
• Parent Aide
• Health Services
• Community Self-Help Groups

Data taken from FFY 2008/2009 ND Children and Family Services Statistical Bulletin