Shocking 2024 Child Abuse Statistics in Lubbock County: A Wake-Up Call

In 2024, 783 children in Lubbock County were confirmed victims of abuse, a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and action. Among them, one infant under the age of one lost their life to abuse.

Who Were the Victims?

• 164 were infants

• 109 were toddlers

• 91 were kindergarten-aged

• 129 were teenagers

• 44 were old enough to legally drive

• 419 were girls, 359 were boys

• 480 were Hispanic

• 62 cases involved sexual abuse

Who Were the Perpetrators?

• 492 were parents

• 19 were grandparents

• 45 were a parent's romantic partner (paramour)

• 271 were male, 336 were female

Lubbock’s Children at Risk

With 79,306 children in Lubbock County, making up 23% of the total population, these numbers indicate that nearly 1 in every 100 children has suffered abuse.

The number of confirmed victims is a nearly 7% increase over 2023. This increase could be attributed to a variety of factors. Increased awareness and reporting, more robust investigative processes, and better community engagement could lead to more cases being detected and reported. This rise may also reflect growing efforts to educate the public about recognizing signs of abuse and a heightened willingness to report suspected cases. It's important to view the increase as a sign of progress in identifying and addressing child abuse rather than simply a negative trend.

This is not just a crisis—it’s a call to action. These are not faceless numbers; they are children in our neighborhoods, classrooms, and homes. As a community, we must commit to speaking up, supporting prevention efforts, and ensuring every child grows up safe and loved.

How can you help? Our Safe Starts Here program is designed to prevent child abuse by providing essential education and resources to parents, caregivers, and the community. Our free program equips participants with the tools and knowledge to recognize the signs of abuse, build strong, healthy relationships, and create safe environments for children. By focusing on early intervention and community awareness, Safe Starts Here works to reduce the incidence of child abuse and promote the well-being of every child in Lubbock County. For more information about Safe Starts Here, visit: https://www.lubbockfamily.org/safe-starts-here-initiative