Health and Family

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect occur in every segment of society and often are the result of parents who were abused themselves or who do not have the resources to cope with difficult situations. One of the most important measures of society is the safety of its children.

Why is This Important?

Not only is the immediate impact of abuse or neglect on a child tragic, but the long-term consequences of child maltreatment impact children, their community and the region. Much child abuse and neglect is hidden, may occur over time, and is preventable.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

In 2009, the Hampton Roads region had the fourth highest rate of child abuse, below the Southwest, West Central and Eastern regions. The rate of abuse in the Hampton Roads region was 4.21 per 1,000 children, higher than Virginia's average rate of 3.16. While no amount of child abuse and neglect is acceptable, the region has markedly improved since 2000, when the rate of abuse and neglect was 7.11 per 1,000 children.  The lowest rate of child maltreatment in 2009 occurred in the Northern region (1.55).

What Influences Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse and neglect are not confined to any particular socioeconomic class, race or ethnicity, or religion. Children younger than four are at greater risk of severe injury or death than older children. There are a number of situations that place children at particular risk for being abused or neglected, including:

• Parents who were abused as children themselves.
• Teenage parents.
• Parental or family substance abuse.
• Parental depression, stress or other mental health problems.
• Family violence, such as intimate partner violence.
• Unemployment and poverty.
• Community violence.
• Family isolation.
• Lack of parental knowledge of child development and understanding children's needs.
• Lack of caregiver support for dealing with children with disabilities or developmental delays.