A child protection case is opened when the child abuse requires additional intervention - such as in the case of ongoing abuse. The number of child protection cases opened in Bloomington has shown a large increase, nearly doubling from 13 cases in 1996 to 24 cases in 1998. Approximately one in ten youth report being victims of family violence. Unfortunately, the number of substantiated child abuse cases is much smaller than the number of youth reporting abuse. Youth need to have adults they can trust and who model non-violent behavior.
Girls are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than boys.
More youth report being sexually abused by an adult outside the family than by a family member. Witnessing violence in the home, in all forms, teaches children that violence is normal, appropriate behavior. Approximately one out of five seniors reports having a family member with an alcohol-related problem. These risk factors concern the community or neighborhood in which the family lives. A high rate of violence, substance use and crime provides exposure to violence, violent role models, and positive rewards for serious violence.