Who is most likely to abuse a child?
The Child Maltreatment 2022 report reveals who is most likely to abuse a child. Most perpetrators are between 25–44 years old, with both men and women involved. Abuse is not limited to strangers, it often occurs within close relationships and across all racial and ethnic groups.
Most Child Abusers Are Between the Ages of 25 and 44
The Child Maltreatment 2022 report shows that 68.8% of perpetrators were aged 25–44, with the largest group being 25–34 years old (39.9%). Most child abusers were parents of their victims (76.0%), while others included relatives (7.0%), unmarried partners of a parent (4.2%), and nonrelatives such as babysitters or foster siblings (3.9%). When identifying signs of a child abuser, attention often needs to be directed toward the immediate caregivers, not strangers.
Related article: Child abuse statistics
Where in the United States Are the Highest Rates of Child Abuse?
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022, there were 558,899 reported victims of child abuse and neglect across all 52 reporting states and jurisdictions. This represents a national rate of 7.7 victims per 1,000 children in the population. While national averages provide a broad view, rates differ considerably by state due to variations in reporting standards, definitions, demographics, and child protection systems. Some states, particularly in parts of the South and Midwest, have historically reported higher per-capita rates than the national average.
When reviewing where the highest rates occur, it’s important to analyze child molestation statistics statewide alongside overall abuse and neglect figures to better understand patterns and contributing factors. Differences in poverty levels, substance misuse, family stressors, and reporting practices can all influence state-level numbers.
2018 – 2022 Number of unique perpetrators of child abuse and neglect reported annually by state. Data sourced from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). A dash (–) indicates data not reported for that year.
Race and Ethnicity of Child Maltreatment Perpetrators and Molesters in the US (NCANDS Data)
Perpetrator data by race showed that 47.4% of child abusers were White, 21.0% Black or African-American, and 20.3% Hispanic. Smaller percentages included American Indian/Alaska Native (1.4%), Asian (1.1%), and those of two or more races (2.3%). About 6.1% were unknown or not reported. These findings show that child maltreatment is not isolated to one community but occurs across racial and ethnic groups.
Perpetrators by Race or Ethnicity, 2022
The largest percentages of perpetrators are White,
Black or African-American, and Hispanic
African-American
Alaska Native
Other Pacific Islander
Male and Female Child Abusers: More Women Than Men
Surprisingly, 51.1% of perpetrators were female, compared with 47.7% male, and 1.1% were unknown. This highlights that a female child molester or female child abuser is a statistical reality, countering stereotypes that only men commit abuse. Both sexes appear in the data. This means learning what a child molester is and recognizing the signs of a child molester requires an open perspective that includes both men and women.
Related article: How does sexual abuse affect a child
Can a Child Be an Abuser? Rare but Possible
Although uncommon, 1.9% of the perpetrators were under 18 years old. These cases are referred to as child perpetrators. While rare, numbers confirm that children can be an abuser. The answer is yes. Some states set minimum age thresholds for labeling someone as a perpetrator, but the data confirm that peer-to-peer abuse, including by minors, occurs.
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Sources
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. (2024). Child Maltreatment 2022: Chapter 5 – Perpetrators. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Available from the Children’s Bureau website.
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See a child in danger? If you are in immediate danger, call local emergency services. For guidance from CPGN, Get Help.
CPGN is a 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible where applicable. Our goal is to ensure the safety and protection of every child until it is achieved.
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