Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS–4)

Changes since the NIS–2 in the incidence of Harm Standard abuse andneglect. The NIS–4 rate of Harm Standard abuse does not statistically differ from theNIS–2 rate for this maltreatment category. Thus, the NIS–4 decrease eradicated theincrease seen in the NIS–3. The incidence of Harm Standard abuse has returned to alevel that is indistinguishable from what it was in 1986.In the NIS–3, the incidence of Harm Standard neglect was significantlyhigher than it was at the time of the NIS–2. Table 3–1 indicates that the NIS–4 estimateof Harm Standard neglect was still higher than the 1986 NIS–2 estimate, a statisticallymarginal difference. The total number of neglected children was 63% higher in 2005–2006 than in 1986 and the neglect rate per 1,000 children was 40% higher in 2005–2006compared to 1986. This increase in the incidence rate means that a child’s risk of HarmStandard neglect in 2005–2006 was 1.4 times higher than his or her risk of suffering thesame maltreatment in 1986.3.1.3 Specific Categories of Harm Standard AbuseWithin Harm Standard abuse, Table 3–1 provides incidence statistics forthree specific categories: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Children whoexperienced more than one category of abuse are reflected in the estimates for eachapplicable type, so the estimates for these specific abuse categories sum to more than thetotal number of abused children.Physical abuse. Physical abuse includes shaking, throwing, purposefullydropping a child; hitting; pushing, grabbing, dragging or pulling; punching or kicking;and other physical abuse. The NIS classifies children as physically abused under theHarm Standard if they suffered at least a moderate injury from physical abuse. Moderateinjuries are defined as physical, mental, or emotional injuries or conditions (or behaviorproblems) resulting from physical abuse which are serious enough to persist inobservable form for at least 48 hours. Examples include bruises, nightmares, depression,and fearfulness.Table 3–1 indicates that 4.4 children per 1,000 (or an estimated 323,000children) experienced Harm Standard physical abuse during the NIS–4 study year. These3–6