Where Does Montana Rank For Child Abuse Cases? This Is Not Good.

Child abuse is a very serious issue, and Montana ranks in one of the highest spots in America.

In a recent article posted from nyrequirements.com, our great state of Montana has been ranked #6 overall for child abuse cases per 10,000 people under the age of 18 in America. We need to do much, much better.

Child abuse is defined by federal law as such:

Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or. "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.      - childwelfare.gov

Let's take a look at where Montana ranks compared to other states in the top 10. As you can see, being a red or blue state doesn't seem to have anything to do with it. Child abuse crosses both lines, so let's please not make this political.

1. Maine
2. Alaska
3. West Virginia
4. Massachusetts
5. Kentucky
6. Montana
7. Oklahoma
8. New Mexico
9. New York
10. Iowa

Growing up in Montana, I think we can agree that we were all raised a little differently. Getting the belt as a kid wasn't a foreign thing. I can remember teachers even taking the paddle out, and keep in mind, this wasn't very long ago. I'm not defending it or saying it was or is ok, but If getting your backside painted red for acting up is considered child abuse, I can see how Montana would rank very high.

We have a city that ranks as one of the most depressing cities in the Country.

We rank #5 overall for personal alcohol consumption.

While Montana is an amazing place to live (as you can see from the influx of people moving here), I think we can agree we have much work to do for our loved ones' health and happiness as well as our own.