Incidents of serious child abuse in the United States decreased by 26 percent between 1993 and 2006, and other forms of physical abuse dropped by 15 percent, a federal government study says.
Experts say the findings are proof that public awareness campaigns and stricter law enforcement are having an effect, the Associated Press reported.
Researchers analyzed information from thousands of child-welfare workers, doctors, teachers, police officers and other professionals from across the country.
The study was commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services, the AP reported.