Nationally, more than 2.9 million reports of possible maltreatment were made to child protective services throughout 2003. The actual incidence of maltreatment is estimated to be three times that. (Childhelp.org: Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse (2005) National Child Abuse Statistics 2003). Nationally, more than four children die each day as a result of maltreatment. 1,500 fatalities were reported throughout 2003. (Childhelp.org: Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse (2005) National Child Abuse Statistics 2003). 89% of these fatalities were children under the age of eight. (Childhelp.org: Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse (2005) National Child Abuse Statistics 2003). In Indiana, 54 fatalities occurred between July of ’04 and June of ’05, 24 due to physical abuse and 30 due to neglect. (Indiana Department of Child Services (2005) Child Abuse and Neglect Annual Report of Child Fatalities from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.) The majority of the deceased were under the age of five, while the majority of abusers were on average under the age of thirty. The majority of both abusers and victims were white. (Indiana Department of Child Services (2005) Child Abuse and Neglect Annual Report of Child Fatalities from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.) Most perpetrators in Indiana were natural parents; and men were only slightly more likely to abuse than women—21 compared to 18, respectively, of 39 total. (Indiana Department of Child Services (2005) Child Abuse and Neglect Annual Report of Child Fatalities from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.) A majority of abuse took place in two-parent households and 37 of the 54 fatalities were children with siblings. (Indiana Department of Child Services (2005) Child Abuse and Neglect Annual Report of Child Fatalities from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005.) Additional links of interest: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Children's Institute International Child Abuse.Org American Humane Association