The results from these analyses—which provide cumulative rather than annual estimates—indicate that confirmed child maltreatment is common, on the scale of other major public health concerns that affect child health and wellbeing. Moreover, child maltreatment is unequally distributed by race/ethnicity, with many more Black, Native American, and Hispanic children experiencing a confirmed report of maltreatment at some point than White or, especially, Asian/Pacific Islander children. Because child maltreatment is also a risk factor for poor mental and physical health outcomes throughout the life-course, the results of this study provide valuable epidemiological information. Being able to accurately assess the extent and severity of maltreatment across populations and time can inform policies and practices that can be used to not only reduce maltreatment but also improve population health and reduce health disparities.
