Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child.  This could include hitting, kicking, slapping, pinching, paddling, whipping, shoving, choking, throwing, shaking, pulling hair, burning, biting, choking, etc.  The injuries may be temporary or permanent.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is any attitude or behavior that interferes with the child’s emotional, psychological, intellectual or social development.  The acts must be clearly attributable to the nonaccidental acts or omissions of the parent or guardian.  Also, considered emotional abuse is committing any acts that are cruel or inhumane, regardless of physical injury.  This could include:  yelling--name-calling, screaming; negative comparisons to others--shaming, belittling, put-downs; telling the child he or she is “worthless,” “a mistake,” “no good,” or “a bad kid.”

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult (or significantly older child) and a child.  This includes a variety of behaviors, ranging from communication with a minor for immoral purposes, indecent liberties, sexual fondling, forced exhibitionism and forced observation of sexual acts, to actual penetration, intercourse, oral sex, rape, incest, prostitution and child pornography.

Neglect

Physical neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s physical needs and well-being.  This can include unresponsiveness to health issues, denial of medical care (medical neglect), failure to provide adequate housing or food or clothing, lack of supervision, inadequate hygiene and so forth. 

Emotional neglect is the failure to provide the support necessary for the normal development of the emotional, social and educational well-being of a child.  This can include: lack of positive physical affection, ignoring, withdrawal of attention, lack of positive reinforcement, lack of praise, denial of access to an education and so on.

 Physical and emotional neglect also involves the failure to take steps to prevent substantial risk to the child’s physical safety or emotional well-being.