Children need parents and caregivers to protect them from harm. Sometimes, they also need help to prevent them from harming themselves, other people, property, or the environment. Children need to feel safe and secure in order to develop into self-confident adults. The level of safety and security children experience directly affects their sense of self, their interactions with others, and their participation in recreation and other activities, within and outside of their neighborhoods.

	Accidental (or unintentional) injuries are among the leading causes of death in children, particularly among toddler- and preschool-aged children, as well as teens. Falls, motor vehicle accidents, drowning, and poisoning are the most prevalent causes of accidental deaths. L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Community   Data by Race   Data by SPA  Distribution of Occurrences (map)

Children from abusive and neglectful environments may experience physical injuries, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. Abused and neglected children may also exhibit learning deficits and lower academic achievement. While child abuse affects a large number of children, younger children are especially at risk. L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Race Data by SPA Child Abuse and Neglect Referrals (map)

	A crime that is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison. Felonies are defined as the most serious offenses, and include violent crimes, sex offenses, and many types of drug and property violations. The majority of youth (ages 10-17) felony arrests are for property offenses. L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Community   Data by Race   Data by SPA

	Firearms are involved in a significant proportion of youth homicides and suicides, as well as accidental deaths. Distribution of Occurrences (map)

	Homicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15-19 years. Gang violence is linked to many youth homicides, as are firearms. L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Community   Data by Race   Data by SPA   Distribution of Occurrences (map)

	L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Race

	L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Race

	A crime that is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, and/or a fine. Misdemeanors include crimes such as petty theft, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, indecent exposure and vandalism. Youth misdemeanor arrests include persons age 10-17. L.A. County Trends Data by Age Data by Community Data by Race Data by SPA

	Data by Age Data by Race Data by SPA

Violence has many negative effects on a child’s health and development, both directly and indirectly. In addition, violent crime victimization rates are significantly higher for youth (12-19 years) than for adults. A violent crime is one that is committed against a person with a show of force, and includes homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. L.A. County Trends Data by Community