The 9 Places In New York State With The Most Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. New York State has the third-highest number of unique victims of child abuse in the United States for 2020 with 59,126. The only two states with higher numbers of victims than NY are California with 60,317 and Texas with 65,116.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this collaboration, prevention services and supports help protect children and produce thriving families.

In New York State, there are 9 counties that have the highest child abuse or maltreatment rates. The state collects data from reported incidents in each county. A child only counts once though, no matter how many incidents they may have suffered from. The rate per 1,000 includes children and youth ages 0 to 17.

Here are the top 9 counties with the highest child abuse as of 2020 the most up-to-date data):

The state total is greater than the sum of the counties since not all investigations are conducted by county Department of Social Services.

9. Washington County - 37.1 Rate / 422 Children

8. Hamilton County - 38.1 Rate / 23 Children

7. Jefferson County - 38.2 Rate / 1,007 Children

6. Schuyler County - 39 Rate / 129 Children

5. Chenango County - 40.3 Rate / 392 Children

4. Broome County - 43.9 Rate / 1,616 Children

3. Chemung County - 45.6 Rate / 807 Children

2. Oswego County - 46 Rate / 1,126 Children

1. Delaware County - 47.3 Rate / 341 Children

If you suspect a child is being abused or witness child abuse, please call the NY State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720 24-hours/7 days a week. If a child is in immediate danger contact 911.

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