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This site is dedicated to all people that are (or have been) bullied and abused and is still growing and a WORK IN PROGRESS. We are working hard to improve and strengthen this website and ask you provide feedback on how to make it better. What else would you like to see? Contact us to let us know what you think.
It is not right
and it is not your fault.
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Who is a Child Abuse Victim |
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Who is a Child Abuse Victim
A child who is being abused is usually in a position of dependence on the abuser. The power imbalance between the child and the abuser often increases the burden of disclosure.
Why children do not report abuse
Depending on their age and stage of development, a child may not be able to communicate what has happened to them, or they may fear they will not be believed. They may be convinced that the abuse is their fault and, if they tell anyone about it, they will be punished. They may fear that they or the abuser will be removed from the home, or suffer other consequences. They may feel ashamed and want to keep the abuse (and related family problems) secret to avoid being stigmatized or have their sexual identity questioned.
Who is more likely to be abused or neglected?
- No group of children is immune from being a victim of child abuse or neglect, although girls are more often the victims of sexual abuse than boys. For all other types of abuse and neglect, statistics are about equal for boys and girls.
- Children of all races and ethnicities can be victims of child abuse. In 2007, nearly one-half of all victims of child abuse and neglect were White (46.1%), one-fifth (21.7%) were African-American, and one-fifth (20.8%) were Hispanic.
- Although children of all ages experience abuse and neglect, it is the youngest children that are the most vulnerable, with almost 32% of the victims of child abuse and neglect being under the age of four years.
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