What is Child Abuse?
Federal legislation provides a foundation for States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. §5106g), as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum:
- Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or
- An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.
This definition of child abuse and neglect refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. A "child" under this definition generally means a person who is under the age of 18 or who is not an emancipated minor.
Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway, Children's Bureau/ACYF, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Recognizing Abuse
The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize the symptoms of child abuse.
Although child abuse is divided into four types -- physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and
emotional maltreatment -- the types are more typically found in combination than alone. A
physically abused child for example is often emotionally maltreated as well, and a sexually
abused child may be also neglected. Any child at any age may experience any of the types of
child abuse. Children over age five are more likely to be physically abused and to suffer
moderate injury than are children under age five. Read More
