AUSTIN (KXAN) — Last year, one in 107 children were mistreated in Travis County, which is higher than the statewide average, according to Child Protective Services.

While child abuse cases are decreasing in central Austin, they are increasing in East Austin and the rural areas of Travis County, states a report by Dell Children’s researchers. The report highlights the “hot spots” for child abuse and neglect in Travis County; pinpointing causes and effects of abuse on local children. Key findings by the report shows that one of the factors might be a lack of community services on the east-side.

The majority of the mental health services and substance abuse help is located west of Interstate 35, while most of the children suffering from abuse are on the east-side. Researchers say there is an “East Austin Crescent,” which is a pattern showing the mistreatment of children corresponding to community violence, family violence, poverty, and a lack of education.

“Parents living the stress of poverty and lack of opportunity are more likely to commit child abuse,” said Karla Lawson, PhD, director of Dell Children’s Trauma and Injury Research Center. “We can mitigate some of these stressors by bringing opportunity to areas of Travis County with higher rates of child maltreatment. Improving affordable housing, transportation, employment, mental health and addiction services these things can actually protect children from abuse and neglect.”

A lack of affordable housing has also been identified as a factor. The report says poverty, homelessness, and over-crowding are all risks for child abuse. It is suggested more subsidized housing would provide a home for numerous residents, which would help protect children from abuse.

Policy suggestions are made by researchers, which they say would give parents access to the tools to prevent child abuse. They hope by showing the map of where the most number of children are abused, that targeted help can be given that meet the needs of the community.