Final answer:
The most common form of child maltreatment in the U.S. is neglect, representing 78.3 percent of cases. This is followed by physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, and medical neglect in that order. Infants are especially at risk, and substance abuse by parents can exacerbate the prevalence of maltreatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to data presented, the most common form of child maltreatment in the United States is neglect, accounting for 78.3 percent of cases. This is followed by physical abuse at 10.8 percent, sexual abuse at 7.6 percent, psychological maltreatment also at 7.6 percent, and medical neglect at 2.4 percent. It is important to recognize that some children suffer from a combination of these forms of abuse, with the majority of perpetrators being parents or other relatives.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to neglect since they are entirely dependent on their caregivers for their needs. Factors such as cultural values, community standards of care, and poverty can inadvertently lead to levels of neglect that can be harmful, prompting intervention by child welfare services when necessary.
Other contributing factors to child abuse include substance abuse by parents, which can significantly increase the risk of both physical abuse and neglect within the family unit. Comprehensive awareness and preventive measures are essential for the welfare and protection of children.