Prison Time/Annual Cost

In most states, child abuse may be charged as either a felony or a less serious offense depending on the circumstances. The most severe cases of child abuse may carry felony lifetime sentences, while the least serious cases are considered gross misdemeanors with potentially no jail time. Punishment will typically be more severe if the offender has a prior record of criminal child abuse activity and greatly reduced if there is no prior record.

$124 billion: Estimated minimum annual cost of child abuse to U.S. communities to provide Healthcare to treat mental illnesses, substance abuse, mental and physical disabilities, and other health-related issues Child welfare and protection Law enforcement and court systems allocation to handle juvenile and adult criminal cases Special education costs Unemployment and underemployment services and benefits.