What is child abuse and neglect?

Physical abuse is when a child is hit, slapped, beaten, burned or otherwise physically harmed. Like other forms of abuse, physical abuse usually continues for a long time.

Sexual abuse is when a child is engages in a sexual situation with an adult or an older child. Sometimes this means direct sexual contact, such as intercourse, or other genital contact or touching. But it can also mean that the child is made to watch sexual acts, look at an adult's genitals, look at pornography or be part of the production of pornography. Children many times are not forced into the sexual situation but rather persuaded, bribed, tricked or coerced.

Emotional or psychological abuse is when a child is regularly threatened, yelled at, humiliated, ignored, blamed or otherwise emotionally mistreated. For example, making fun of a child, calling a child names and always finding fault with the child are forms of emotional or psychological abuse.

Neglect is when a child's basic needs are not met. These needs include nutritious food, adequate shelter, clothing, cleanliness, emotional support, love and affection, education, safety and medical and dental care.

Symptoms

Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect. Also, the child:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention
• Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
• Lacks adult supervision
• Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home