Research

I researched child abuse, because I felt like that was the main problem in the book Stotan! by Chris Crutcher. The information below is what I found out.

Every week the CPS (child protective services) receive 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse. 2.6 million reports of 4.5 million children were made, in 2002. Although only two thirds, or about 67 percent of the cases had enough information to be investigated. 896,000 children were found to have been victims of abuse. That’s, on average, 2450 a day.

Many children are abused, and it doesn't matter whether you're a girl or boy. It doesn't matter what race you are either. In 2002 they found that 54% were white, 26% were African American, 11% were Hispanic, 2% were American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1% were Asian-Pacific Islanders. Unfortunately enough, age doesn't matter either. Although, younger children seem to be more of a target. In 2002 41% of the children killed due to abuse related issues were under one year old. 76% were under the age of four.

Abuse is very dangerous, and its not just physical abuse. It can also be emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or even neglect. There are many types of abuse, and all are very dangerous. Neglect, though, may be the most dangerous of all of them.

According to childhelp.org four children die every day from abuse. Three out of four of these kids are under the age of four. And 80% of the teenagers that are abused have one or more type of psychiatric disorder.

Abuse is a very sad thing. It’s also very serious and needs to be taken seriously.