CHILD ABUSE ON THE RISE
After remaining nearly level between 1986 and 1987, the number of reported incidents of child abuse in the county increased dramatically in each of the last two years. During 1989, that works out to a report every 23 minutes for the entire year. Here’s how the totals for the last five years compare:
Total Monthly % Change Year Incidents Average From Prior Year Frequency 1989 22,677 1,890 +20.3 23 mins. 1988 18,844 1,570 +23.4 28 mins. 1987 15,269 1,272 +1.1 34 mins 1986 15,105 1,259 -0.5 35 mins. 1985 15,185 1,265 -- 35 mins.
THE TREND OF ABUSE January 1988: 1,172 October 1989: 2,523 December 1989: 1,997
Source: Orange County Child Abuse Registry
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