It’s a silent epidemic with very real consequences for our future. All across the United States, children suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of parents or other caregivers:

• Abuse and neglect can have life-long after-effects, including mental illness, crime, substance abuse, low educational achievement and more.
• The total lifetime cost of child maltreatment is $124 billion each year.
• There were 702,000 victims of abuse in 2014.
• Nearly 75% of those suffered neglect.
• A nationally estimated 1,670 children died from abuse or neglect in 2015, which is 5.7% more than in 2011.

How can you help?

Anyone can play a role in ending child abuse and neglect. But only knowledge can unlock solutions. The first step is making a commitment to learn about the issues.

By recognizing the signs of abuse or neglect, and engaging in a discussion with family and friends, we can help save young lives. We can influence others by our own example. We can advocate for policies and programs that promote healthy families. And we can support organizations that provide healing for children.

Sign our pledge now. Commit to becoming more aware of the issues behind child abuse, so you can help support children and families in crisis.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls’ promotes awareness about the plight of abused or neglected children and supports solutions for families in crisis. Every year, thousands of volunteers and donors help to raise awareness as well as critical funds that give Mercy Home’s kids a safe, loving home, clothing, meals, and healing from traumatic pasts.