Child Abuse Victims by County, 2020

Why Is This Important?

In New Mexico, child maltreatment includes physical neglect, sexual abuse and physical abuse. Child maltreatment can range from relatively minor (bruises or cuts) to severe (broken bones, acute subdural hematoma, or even death). In addition to these physical effects, additional outcomes of abuse or neglect may include behavioral changes, developmental delays or life-long disabilities. Regardless of the physical effects, the emotional pain and suffering they cause a child should not be minimized. Additionally, adults who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood are more likely to suffer from physical ailments such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and ulcers. The effects vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse or neglect and personal characteristics of the child. Also impactful is the child's environment, including the array of services available to the child and family to address the underlying issues which lead to child maltreatment. Consequences of abuse might be mild or severe, may disappear after a short period or last a lifetime. Child maltreatment can impact the child physically, psychologically, behaviorally, or in some combination of all three ways. Ultimately, due to related costs to public entities such as the health care, human services, and educational systems, abuse and neglect impact not just the child and family, but society as a whole.

Definition

The child abuse victims per 1,000 children under age 18. Data were compiled from the New Mexico Child Welfare data system for tracking reports and investigations of child abuse. Compiled data were obtained from CYFD Protective Services. It is possible that one investigated report may include multiple types of substantiated abuse of one or more children in a family. In addition, it is possible for an individual child to have more than one substantiated investigation of abuse or neglect for a single reporting period.

Data Sources

• New Mexico Population Estimates: University of New Mexico, Geospatial and Population Studies (GPS) Program.
  (http://gps.unm.edu/)
• New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, PO Drawer 5160 Santa Fe, NM 87502-5160. Phone: (505)827-8400.
  (https://cyfd.org/)

How the Measure is Calculated

Data Issues

• New Mexico Population Estimates

  All population estimates apply to July 1 of the selected year. These estimates are considered the most accurate estimates for the state of New Mexico and should match those found on the University of New Mexico Geospatial and Population Studies website. Estimates include decimal fractions. Census tract population estimates were summed to produce County and Small Area population estimates. Population estimate totals may vary due to rounding. Population estimates for previous years are occasionally revised as new information becomes available. When publishing trend data, always be sure that your rates for earlier years match current rates on NM-IBIS that have been calculated with the most up-to-date population estimates.

• New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, PO Drawer 5160 Santa Fe, NM 87502-5160. Phone: (

  Data were compiled from the New Mexico Child Welfare data system for tracking reports and investigations of child abuse. Compiled data were obtained from CYFD Protective Services. It is possible that one investigated report may include multiple types of substantiated abuse of one or more children in a family. In addition, it is possible for an individual child to have more than one substantiated investigation of abuse or neglect for a single reporting period.

Health Topic Pages Related to: Child Abuse and Neglect

• Injury and Violence
• Mental Health