BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Thousands of Kern County children have been suspected of being abused or neglected,

Nearly 15,000 Kern County children were suspected of being abused or neglected,according to the annual report of Child Abuse Prevention Council Activities. The report added that the number averages out at 41 children each day.

More than 2,900 children were later found to be victims of abuse or neglect last year. Also in 2018, six child fatalities were reported which were determined by law enforcement and the coroner to be caused by abuse or neglect.

"Kern, since 2018, has seen a 48% reduction as compared to California which has seen a 28% reduction of substantiated rates," Executive Director of Kern County Network for Children said. "That being said we still suffered six deaths due to child abuse and neglect last year alone."

The report also stated that about 30% of abused or neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing a cycle of abuse.