WASHINGTON — A Justice Department survey found most children are exposed to violence in their daily lives.

More than 60 percent of children surveyed were exposed to violence within the past year, either directly or indirectly. The survey's authors defined exposure to violence as being a victim, or having witnessed violence, or learning about violence against a relative, friend, or hearing about a threat to their school or home.

The study's authors said nearly half of all children surveyed were assaulted at least once in the past year, and about 6 percent were victimized sexually.

Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking in Chicago, called the results "staggering."