Child Abuse Rates in U.S. Decline

A new study by the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire showed that child abuse rates in the U.S. dropped by six percent between 2007 and 2008, in spite of the beginning of the economic crisis.

Overall child abuse cases dropped six percent, physical abuse declined three percent and child neglect fell two percent, researchers reported.  They said that this decrease is part of a downward trend in physical and sexual abuse that has continued for over 15 years.

David Finkelhor, center director and professor of sociology, said that while study results showing a decline in child abuse is good news, it is a snapshot in time that may change with further research.  He said it is possible that the wear and tear on a family due to deteriorating economic circumstances may take longer than a year to show an effect.

Finkelhor said that long-term improvement may be related to years of education on child abuse issues, and if that proves to be the case, then the improvements may endure even in the face of economic and social stress.

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