There are fewer incidents more tragic than the abuse of a child, whether it is physical, sexual or mental abuse.
The Denver child abuse injury lawyers at Rosenthal & Heymann have long been advocates for child well-being and safety, and we aggressively help clients fight for their legal rights in the wake of a child’s abuse.
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Child Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment
• In 2008, the country’s Child Protective Services agencies received approximately 3.3 million referral reports involving the possible maltreatment of nearly 6 million children.
• 23.7% of those allegations revealed at least one child to be the victim of abuse or neglect.
• The 3 sources most often reporting suspected abuse were schoolteachers (16.9%), law enforcement officials (16.3%), and social service staff (10%).
• More than one-half of the child victims were girls (51.3%), and 48.3% were boys
• More than 70% of victims suffered neglect
• More than 15% of the victims suffered physical abuse
• Less than 10% of the victims suffered sexual abuse
• Less than 10% of the victims suffered from psychological maltreatment
• In 2008 alone, an estimated 1,740 children died due to child abuse or neglect
Source: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Estimates indicate that 2 out of every 10 girls, and 1 out of every 10 boys, will experience sexual abuse by the age of 14. Tragically, the abuser is often a family member of close friend. And, although we have been trained to warn our children about the danger of interacting with a stranger, sexual abuse by someone unknown to the child can still occur.
Frequently, however, the abuser can be a hired care giver, daycare center employee, or even an employee at a child’s school or church. In such instances, it is important to take immediate action to ensure the abuser is brought to justice and further abuse does not occur.
The abuse of a child can take many forms. Even neglecting a child may be considered abuse. Sadly, the numbers indicate a rise in sexual, physical and other forms of child abuse in this country.
In Colorado in 2008, there were 7,528 substantiated cases of child abuse, neglect or maltreatment. In 2004, there were 29,240 investigations of some form of child abuse, which rose to 34,164 in 2008. It is estimated that in 2008, 9.3% of the total child population of Colorado suffered some form of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or other maltreatment.
A joint report issued by the Denver Police Department, Denver District Attorneys Office, Denver Department of Human Services and the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, notes that a case of child abuse or neglect may include the following:
• Evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fractures of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death.
• Circumstances indicate that such condition or death may not be the product of an accidental occurrence.
• Any case in which a child is subject to sexual assault or molestation, sexual exploitation, or prostitution.
• Any case in which the child's parent(s), legal guardian or custodian fails to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision that a prudent parent would take.
• Any case is which a child is subjected to emotional abuse, which means an identifiable and substantial impairment of the child’s intellectual or psychological functioning or development.
• Any act or omission which puts a child at risk.
• Any case is which, in the presence of a child, or on the premises where a child is found, or where a child resides, a controlled substance is discovered.
The Denver child injury lawyers of Rosenthal & Heymann urge you to report any suspected incident of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate law enforcement or state child protection services officials immediately.
If your child has been victimized by this horrific crime, contact us to learn how we may be able to help you secure the emotional and physical well-being of your child and the future financial well-being of you and your family.
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