Child Maltreatment Costs U.S. $124 Billion: West Virginia Bears a Share of the Burden

Why it matters locally: The CDC's new estimate that child maltreatment costs the U.S. $124 billion annually has significant implications for West Virginia. With a population of approximately 1.77 million, West Virginia faces challenges related to poverty, substance abuse, and unemployment that can increase the risk of child maltreatment. The financial strain from medical care, mental health services, child welfare interventions, lost productivity and potential involvement in the criminal justice system for victims of childhood abuse can create a significant burden that needs to be addressed.

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Atlanta — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect, costs the United States approximately $124 billion annually. This figure represents the cumulative lifetime costs associated with a single year's confirmed cases, according to a report published in *Child Abuse and Neglect, The International Journal*. The CDC report quantifies the significant financial impact of child maltreatment, encompassing medical expenses, mental health services, child welfare interventions, and lost productivity over the victims' lifespans. While the report highlights the substantial economic burden, detailed breakdowns of the cost distribution were not immediately available publicly.