What is Child Abuse

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

 


[1] Source: Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina

The information contained in this report has been obtained or derived from sources believed by The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (“the JLC”) to be reliable, but the JLC does not represent that this information is accurate or complete.