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1 in 50 US Infants Mistreated

Study finds parents 'not being able to really care' for newborns

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Apr 3, 2008 6:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – About 1 in 50 US children under age 1 is a victim of nonfatal neglect or abuse—particularly among the uninsured, a survey finds. One-third of the 91,000 victims were a week or younger when the maltreatment occurred. "It's not primarily kids being hit, but parents … not being able to really take care for their kids," one expert said.

The neglect and abuse was mostly reported by medical professionals who found newborns weren't developing properly, the AP reports. Neglect is defined by a failure to provide basic needs like housing, clothing, food and adequate medical care. "Things like abandonment and drug addiction would qualify as neglect, not things like parents learning to be parents," one doctor said.

65% of those who report cases of abuse or neglect to protective services are medical practitioners who find evidence of maltreatment at check-ups.
65% of those who report cases of abuse or neglect to protective services are medical practitioners who find evidence of maltreatment at check-ups.   (Shutterstock)
1 in 50 infants under the age of 1 suffer nonfatal abuse or neglect.
1 in 50 infants under the age of 1 suffer nonfatal abuse or neglect.   (Shutterstock)
One third of the 91,000 infants who are abused or neglected in the US before the age of 1 suffer maltreatment in their first week.
One third of the 91,000 infants who are abused or neglected in the US before the age of 1 suffer maltreatment in their first week.   (Shutterstock)
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