Definition of Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse?
Child Abuse can be defined as a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child. Child abuse includes non-accidental:

· Physical Abuse
Examples of physical abuse include, but are not limited to: beating, harmful restraint, use of a weapon or instrument, or actions that result in or could result in serious physical injury.

· Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any sexual behavior imposed on a juvenile. This involves a range of activities, including the fondling of the genital area, masturbation, oral sex, or vaginal or anal penetration by a finger, penis or other object. It includes exhibitionism, child pornography, and suggestive behaviors or comments.

· Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is expressing attitudes or behaviors toward a child that create serious emotional or psychological damage.

· Neglect
Child neglect can be defined as any serious disregard for a juvenile's supervision, care, or discipline.

General Causes of Abuse and Neglect:

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Domestic and Family Violence

Joblessness, Poverty, Stress, Mental Illness

Lack of Affordable Housing, Substandard Housing, Childcare, Education

Lack of Child Development Education, Parenting Skills

 

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