My Officer hubby wanted me to pass this on to all you MoMs!
Know the warning signs of abuse
Children who are abused may show physical and behavioral signs. Please pay attention to the treatment of
children around you. You may be a child’s only lifeline to safety. Child abuse is everyone’s business. If you
suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call child protection services in your Minnesota County (see
Resource Section) or call 1-800-CHILDREN to speak with someone at Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
Child abuse is any maltreatment of a child that results in harm or injury. Child abuse includes:
Physical abuse – an injury to a child that is not an accident; for example, hurting a child by hitting, burning,
biting, or shaking.
Sexual abuse – any sexual contact with a child, including exhibitionism, photographs or films, or
prostitution.
Physical neglect or endangerment – failure to give the child food, clothing, medical care, shelter, or
supervision. A parent may endanger a child by not using a child safety seat when traveling in a vehicle.
Emotional abuse and neglect – an abusive parent may scare a child by threatening to leave him or her, or
may be severely critical. A neglectful parent may not spend any time with the child or may never show the
child any affection. A neglectful parent may not provide enough food or medical attention.
National Statistics – 2003
During 2003, an estimated 906,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect with an estimated 2.9 million
referrals—at a rate of 39 referrals per 1,000 children. Nationally, 63% of child victims experienced neglect
(including medical neglect), 18% were physically abused, 10% were sexually abused, and 5% were
emotionally or psychologically maltreated. Nationally an estimated 1,500 children died of abuse or neglect in
2003 in the United States. (Source: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information 2004)
Minnesota Statistics – 2004
In 2004, almost 7,800 children were abused and neglected; 39 children suffered life-threatening injuries and
11 children died from maltreatment.
Most victims were younger than 6 years old. Caucasian children accounted for 52% of maltreatment victims;
Black children = 25%; American Indian children = 7%; Asian and Pacific Islander children = 3%.
The offenders: 73% of all offenders were victims’ birth parents. Other relatives accounted for 15% of
offenders. Licensed childcare providers, foster parents and facility staff accounted for 1% of offenders.
Some children were victims of more than one offender.
Children suffer many types of abuse and neglect. Don’t let it happen in your community!
Finding Child Abuse Data for Your Local Community
Go to
www.server.admin.state.mn.us/children/custom.html to view the Children’s Report Card – Measuring
Minnesota’s Progress. Customize your search to include Abused and Neglected Children and the name of
your county.