Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes anything a parent/caregiver does that results in physical harm to a child. Physical abuse may happen if a child is punished harshly, even though the parent/caregiver may not have meant to hurt the child. Physical abuse may result in a minor injury (such as a bruise) to a more serious injury, which could cause lasting damage or death (for example from shaking a child).

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a person uses power over a child, and involves the child in any sexual act. This abuser is more powerful because of age, intelligence, physical strength, control over the child, and the child’s need to be taken care of by others. The offender gets the child to participate by using threats, bribes, lying and taking advantage of the child’s trust. Most sexual offenders are people the children know.

Neglect

Neglect is when a parent/caregiver does not provide for the basic emotional and physical needs of the child on an ongoing basis. Examples of neglect include not providing the proper: Food, clothing, housing, supervision, safe surroundings, personal health, medical and emotional care, and education. Children who are neglected physically and emotionally may not develop normally. Some children may suffer permanent damage.

Emotional Abuse

A parent/caregiver who continually uses any of the following when interacting or disciplining a child is emotionally abusing the child: Rejecting, criticizing, insulting, humiliating, isolating, terrorizing, or corrupting. Children who witness violence in their home may suffer emotional damage watching a loved one being physically or verbally attacked.