The theme for this year is “Working Together to Strengthen Families.” This month is a reminder of the importance of communities working together to strengthen and support families so that all children can thrive.
Approximately 600,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect in 2021, according to data collected from US child welfare agencies. Of these victims, 76% were neglected, 16% were physically abused, 10.1% were sexually abused, and 0.2% were sex trafficked. Children less than 1 year old have the highest rate of victimization.
In fiscal year 2021, there were an estimated 1,820 deaths of children due to abuse and neglect in the national population, with a rate of 2.46 per 100,000 children. Of these fatalities, children under one year old accounted for 45.6%.
Help kick off the month with your best blue outfit this Friday, April 7!