According to risk data, which age group is at the greatest risk of child abuse?

According to risk data, which age group is at the greatest risk of child abuse?

• A. Six years and younger
• B. Teens aged 13 to 17
• C. Adults over 25
• D. Young adults aged 18 to 25

Answer: (A)

Vulnerability is highest in the youngest children. Children six and younger rely entirely on adults for care, have limited ability to report harm, and may not recognize or understand how to seek help. This combination makes abuse more likely to occur and harder to detect in this age group, so risk data show the greatest incidence among the youngest children. Teens can experience abuse as well, but the overall rate is lower for them, and adults are no longer in the child category. So the youngest age group—six years and younger—faces the highest risk.

Vulnerability is highest in the youngest children. Children six and younger rely entirely on adults for care, have limited ability to report harm, and may not recognize or understand how to seek help. This combination makes abuse more likely to occur and harder to detect in this age group, so risk data show the greatest incidence among the youngest children. Teens can experience abuse as well, but the overall rate is lower for them, and adults are no longer in the child category. So the youngest age group—six years and younger—faces the highest risk.