| Definition |
Child Abuse: Any person under the age of 18 who is believed to have been harmed or at risk of harm by their parents, guardians, or other caregivers. There are five types of abuse and neglect:
- Neglect: When a parent or guardian does not provide for the basic needs of a child, though capable of doing so. Neglect can include not meeting physical, medical, educational or emotional needs.
- Physical Abuse: A physical injury as a result of being hit, kicked, choked, thrown, pushed, or whipped by a parent or guardian. This may result in marks, cuts, burns, blisters, scratches, broken bones, sprains, dislocated joints, lifelong injury or death.
- Sexual Abuse: The fondling of genitalia, exposure to sexually explicit material, penetration, incest, rape, indecent exposure and exploitation though prostitution or creating child pornography by a caregiver. Exposure to Domestic Violence: Domestic violence itself is not a form of child abuse, but exposure to domestic violence, and/or witnessing the aftermath of domestic violence can have an effect on children that is similar to the effects of children who experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Episodes of domestic violence may become more frequent and more severe over time and can lead to child abuse if it is not already happening.
- Emotional Abuse: Emotional or psychological abuse is repeated behavior by an adult or caregiver that stunts a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may come in the form of threats, rejection, dehumanizing language, ongoing criticism, shaming or humiliation, and isolation.
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