Thousands of children in America are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse in America are made, while millions more go unreported entirely. In the United States, approximately 5 children die every day due to child abuse related causes — more than any other industrialized nation in the world.

It’s beyond shocking to think that the people responsible for these fatalities are often the same people who are responsible for the supervision and care of the victims. Typically, one or both parents are responsible for the vast majority (over 75%) of fatalities caused by child abuse and neglect. Because so many child abuse cases go unreported, many experts believe this number could be even higher.

The children who manage to survive abuse and neglect often have significant challenges as adults. Child abuse and neglect can often lead to various psychiatric disorders, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. Juveniles and adults who were abused as children are more likely to be arrested, and commit a violent crime later in life. These individuals are also at a higher risk for abusing drugs, and engaging in self-destructive behaviors as adults. These statistics make it very clear that being a victim of child abuse and neglect has a significant impact on individuals when they reach adulthood.

The infographic below outlines the severity of the child abuse epidemic in America. Please help us spread the word about this silent killer!

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