The Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect in Korea and Its Implications

Abstract

Given how prone incidents of child abuse and neglect are to remaining hidden, statistics on reported cases likely fail to capture the scope and nature of unreported ones. In light of the fact that the prevalence of child abuse and neglect as identified in the 2023 Comprehensive Survey on Children (CSC) is far higher than that of substantiated child abuse and neglect, the need is acute for preventive measures against cases of child abuse and neglect that go unreported. The prevalence of physical and emotional abuse was found in the latest CSC to have declined from its level in the previous survey conducted five years before, in 2018. However, the incidence of neglect has increased. Repeated maltreatment cases have also risen somewhat. The prevalence of neglect varied markedly across different household types, necessitating that these differences be considered when taking preventive and support measures for neglect cases. To better respond to child abuse, the focus of interventions should shift from recovery and ex post support to prevention. To prevent neglect, proactive interventions will have to combine increased universal support as well as targeted support tailored to individual risk factors.