During the fiscal year ending June 1984, there were approximately 33,000 reports of child abuse. The number of reports of suspected abuse and neglect increased threefold between 1978 and 1983 and declined 2 percent in 1984. About half of all reports were confirmed. Relatives, friends, neighbors, and anonymous persons reported about two-thirds of cases. Neglect was the most frequently reported child maltreatment, followed by physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. While found throughout Kentucky, neglect and abuse occurred most frequently in the eastern part of the State. Child maltreatment was most frequent among children 1 to 2 years old and less frequent among older children, although older children were somewhat more likely to be sexually abused. While boys and girls suffered maltreatment equally, boys were more likely to be neglected and girls sexually abused. Almost all victims were abused or neglected by a relative, most commonly a biological parent; the perpetrator was more likely to be female than male. Tabular data, sample child abuse-neglect investigation form, 3 notes, and 12 references.
Child Abuse and Neglect in Kentucky, 1978-1984
NCJ Number
100809
Date Published
1985
Length
56 pages
Annotation
Kentucky Bureau of Social Services data for 1977 through 1984 (excluding 1982 because of incomplete data) were analyzed to examine the magnitude, rate, reporting, and victim and offender characteristics in cases of child abuse.
Abstract