Which age group is most vulnerable to abuse?

The age group of children under 1 year old is considered the most vulnerable to abuse due to several factors. Infants lack the ability to communicate their needs and experiences effectively, making it difficult for them to report or signal distress. Their dependence on caregivers for basic needs, such as nourishment and safety, puts them at higher risk if those caregivers are neglectful or abusive. Additionally, younger children are less likely to be in any positions of authority or influence, which can leave them more susceptible to harmful situations without the means to escape or seek help. The developmental stage of infants means they require constant supervision, making the presence of an abusive environment particularly dangerous. This vulnerability is further compounded by the lack of protective legal and social structures that may more readily engage with the situations of older children and adolescents.