Trends in the annual incidence rates of child sexual abuse and child maltreatment over the past 25 years in the United States
APA Citation:
Lucier-Greer, M., Short, K., Wright, E. M., & O'Neal, C. W. (2024). Trends in the annual incidence rates of child sexual abuse and child maltreatment over the past 25 years in the United States. Child Abuse Review, 33(2), Article e2867. https://doi.org/10.1002/car.2867
Focus:
Trauma
Child maltreatment
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Methodology:
Retrospective trend analysis
Authors:
Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Short, Kaylee, Wright, Emily Marie, O'Neal, Catherine Walker
Abstract:
Experiencing child sexual abuse is associated with increased risk for a range of short- and long-term negative effects. This short report defines and explores the annual incidence rates of child sexual abuse in the United States over 25 years between 1996 and 2021 (the most recent data released) and, comparatively, annual incidence rates of child maltreatment, more generally. A retrospective trend analysis of Child Maltreatment Reports, produced by the Department of Health and Human Services with data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, was conducted to compile and analyse rates of child sexual abuse and child maltreatment over time. In general, the rates of reported child maltreatment and child sexual abuse have declined, on average, since the 1990s. We, then, discuss these trends in connection with research documenting societal and family factors that may have contributed to these declines.
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
child sexual abuse, child maltreatment, United States