STATISTICS   |   CAUSES & RISKS   |   PREVENTION   |   EXPERIENCES   |   DIGITAL TOOLKIT   |   PRESS   |   GET HELP   |   ​DONATE

Causes & Risk Factors

Understanding the complex factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect.

Understanding Risk Factors
Child abuse stems from multiple interacting factors. Understanding these can help with prevention and early intervention.

Substance Abuse
Parental substance abuse is a significant risk factor for child abuse and neglect. Studies indicate that between one-third and two-thirds of child maltreatment cases involve substance use to some degree.

• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Reduced impulse control
• Prioritizing substance over child's needs
• Increased household financial stress

Mental Health Issues
Parental mental health challenges can significantly impact a parent's ability to provide consistent, appropriate care for their children.

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Personality disorders
• Untreated or inadequately treated conditions
• Limited access to mental health services

Family Structure
Family structure and dynamics can create environments where abuse is more likely to occur.

• Social isolation and lack of support
• Domestic violence in the household
• High-stress living situations
• Single-parent households with inadequate support
• History of maltreatment in the family
• Poor parent-child relationships and attachment

Additional Contributing Factors
Beyond individual and family factors, broader social and environmental factors can increase risk.

Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty & Economic Stress
Financial hardship creates stress and may limit access to resources, adequate housing, childcare, and healthcare. Children living in poverty are 5 times more likely to experience maltreatment.

---

Unemployment
Job loss and employment instability create financial pressure and can impact parental mental health, increasing the risk of maltreatment.

---

Housing Insecurity
Unstable housing, overcrowding, and homelessness create additional stress and may place children in vulnerable situations.

Community & Social Factors
Community Violence
Living in high-crime neighborhoods increases family stress and normalizes violence as a way to solve problems or discipline children.

---

Social Isolation
Families without social networks or community connections lack support systems that can help during times of stress or crisis.

---

Limited Resources
Communities with few resources for families, limited healthcare access, inadequate schools, and few social services leave families without needed support.

Recognizing High-Risk Behaviors
Understanding behaviors and traits that may indicate a risk to children's safety

Key Warning Signs

• Preference for Children's Company
  Adults who consistently prefer spending time with children over peers, especially seeking roles providing access to minors (coaching, tutoring).
• Grooming Behaviors
  Building trust through excessive attention, gifts, or favors, creating emotional bonds to facilitate abuse.
• Boundary Violations
  Disregarding personal space, engaging in unnecessary physical contact, or ignoring established boundaries.
• Manipulative Tactics
  Creating dependency by isolating children from others or positioning themselves as the sole trusted confidant.

Additional Red Flags

• Access to Child-Oriented Environments: Seeking employment or volunteer opportunities involving close contact with children.
• Possession of Child-Centric Materials: Unusual interest in children's toys, games, or media without clear reason.
• Excessive Physical Contact: Frequent physical interactions like tickling or wrestling, especially when unwanted.
• Secretive Communication: Encouraging children to keep interactions or relationships secret from others.
• Use of Adult Content: Introducing inappropriate material to normalize certain behaviors.
• Prior Abuse History: Past allegations or incidents of abuse should be taken seriously.

---

Community Action
Awareness of these behaviors enables communities to take proactive steps in protecting children. If you observe concerning behaviors or situations, it's important to report them to appropriate authorities.

Learn How to Report Concerns

---

Contact Us
Have questions, ideas, or want to partner with #DontTouchMe? We'd love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]