One in eight U.S. children experiences maltreatment: study

By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – About one in eight American children and adolescents will experience maltreatment by adulthood, according to a new study. The estimate is higher than the average 0.8 percent of children who are found to be victims of maltreatment during any given year, according to the study’s lead author. “That 12.5 percent of children get to a point where their maltreatment is confirmed highlights just how big of a risk factor this is for children,” said Christopher Wildeman. Beyond the immediate danger to the child, Wildeman said maltreatment may have long-lasting effects, too.