Most importantly, every year more than one thousand children died from physical abuse within the U.S.A. .
Physical abuse is more often spread evenly among all age groups of children, though the highest rate of physical injury is found among older children between the ages of twelve and seventeen. This latter finding appears to correspond with the increasing parent-conflict which is often characteristic of adolescent development (Governor's Office, 1996). Although physical abuse can occur amongst all social, ethnic, and income groups, most reported cases usually involve poor families with little education. Reflecting the high rates of poverty among ethnic minorities, minority children enter the child protection system in disproportionately larger numbers (Children Today, 1992). Child mistreatment is also common in families with young mothers and single parent families. In addition, parental alcohol or drug use is a very huge cause of the abuse, as well as parents who were also abused themselves as children. However, it is proven that not all mistreated children grow up to be abusive parents. In fact, only about forty percent carry on these harmful features, and the statistics are lessening each year with the help of therapy and treatment (Baker, 1999). .
The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize the signs of physical abuse. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring. However, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination, one should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of abuse. Most obvious, unexplained or suspicious bruises or other marks on the skin are typical signs of abuse, as are burns (U.S. Department of Health, 2003). Sudden changes in behavior or school performance are also signs, as well as a child coming early to school, staying late, and never wanting to go home (U.S. Department of Health, 2003).