National statistics on the amount of child abuse and neglect are difficult to obtain because states use different definitions.
Some states report only substantiated cases that have been verified according to state law.
Other states report and combine both the number of substantiated and indicated cases. In indicated cases of abuse there is reason to suspect abuse or neglect, but less evidence to prove it. In the United States it is estimated that for every 1,000 children, there were approximately 15 cases of substantiated abuse and neglect. Missouri's rate of 15 cases per 1,000 children mirrors the national figure. Each of these includes a list of behaviors in its definition.