After years of decline, the number of confirmed cases of the physical abuse of children in Maine has climbed dramatically in recent years – much higher than the national average.
Those who work with abused children say they’re not sure why the numbers are spiking, but there is evidence that a surge in opiate drug abuse may be a contributor, as well as the lackluster economy and high-profile cases that spur more people to report abuse.
Confirmed cases of the physical abuse of children in Maine rose by 58 percent from 2011 to 2013, a reversal of a decline, both in Maine and nationally, over the previous two decades.
Physical abuse numbers nationally went up just 5 percent from 2011 to 2012, the latest period for which state-by-state numbers were available, while in Maine they jumped by 43 percent. Only Utah, Oklahoma and Montana had higher rates of increase.
The increase in Maine cases was even greater for children younger than 5. Those cases climbed from 241 reported in 2011 to 424 last year, a 78 percent increase, according to data provided by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.pressherald.com/2014/06/15/child-abuse-in-maine-increases-58/
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