The statistics can feel overwhelming. In fiscal year 2011,
States reported that 676,569 children were victims of child
abuse or neglect (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, 2012). However, child abuse and neglect are
preventable. State and local governments, community
organizations, and private citizens take action every day to
protect children. You can help, too. This factsheet provides
information on how communities and individual citizens
can strengthen families, protect children, and prevent child
abuse and neglect.