Damnarka0415 t1_ixcxxgk wrote
Reply to comment by Candygramformrmongo in Damn by Popomatik
Maine's high number is certainly a cause for concern. I think u/DifferenceMore5431's point is that there seems to be some odd geographical outliers in this data - New York and New Jersey have a massive gap in reported child abuse rates, even though those states are relatively similar in demographics. With that in mind, this might have to do with differing legal definitions of child abuse, or the relative funding and/or willingness of state governments to prosecute those cases.
Koboldsftw t1_ixdbnzm wrote
New York and New Jersey aren’t that similar in demographic. New Jersey and New York CITY are and NYC definitely does a lot to skew any stats about the state, but there’s a lot of rural area too which seems to correlate
Candygramformrmongo t1_ixd0b01 wrote
I hear you and possibly, but I’m less concerned about the relativity and more concerned with our specific situation in Maine. No matter how you look at it, our number is too high - especially for the most defenseless segment of our society. If someone’s reaction to that is to cast doubt based on 2 highly urbanized states that have nothing to do with Maine, then I question that person’s misplaced. priorities and outlook.
demalo t1_ixd5rgm wrote
What is more likely?
A. Maine is a shitty climate for children being abused and so therefore has a significantly higher rates of abuse than any other state.
B. Maine reports more child abuse cases per capita than any other state.
Also, is this a city thing? A rural thing? These numbers matter because it determines the solutions. Throwing money at every school or community is a waste of resources when this is specific to a certain location, demographic, economic region, etc.
arms_room_rat t1_ixdapwe wrote
I think both are the case personally. But I agree that the phenomenon should be closely investigated and more data would lead to better policy.
Candygramformrmongo t1_ixdixmb wrote
All or some combination of the above, I suspect. I’ve heard stories from rural law enforcement that would make your skin crawl. Kids kept prisoner and abused, often impregnated. All doors in the house removed. I think it is easier to isolate and control the abused in rural areas and people tend to keep to themselves more. I don’t think anyone said anything about “throwing money” at anything yet. We have a number of mandatory reporting professions, but education as to red flags is probably among the more important steps we could take.
Sugarloafer1991 t1_ixd6v40 wrote
They are next to each other, but NY is huge and outside of the extended NYC area, upstate is very much like Maine
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