What Is Abuse & Neglect?

To Report Abuse and Neglect, contact:

Department of Children's Services
1-877-54ABUSE (1-877-542-2873).
Visit the 24 Hour Child Abuse Directory
Watch Department of Children's Services Training on Child Abuse Reporting

There are four types of child abuse.

• Neglect
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse

Neglect: Occurs when a parent or caretaker allows a child to experience avoidable suffering or fails to provide basic essentials for physical, social, and educational development.

There are three basic types of neglect:

• Physical Neglect- Failure to provide basic needs to a child such as clothing, housing, medical attention and nutrition.
• Social Neglect- Failure to provide support and/or affection necessary for the development of a child’s psychological and soicial development.
• Educational Neglect- Failure to provide an education to a child.

Physical Abuse: Occurs when a child suffers a nonaccidental injury that may include severe beatings, burns, fractures, bruises, welts, or other physical problems.

Indicators of Physical Abuse:

• Unexplained bruises or burns
• Repeated injuries or injuries inconsistent with explanation
• Excessive fear of parent or caregiver
• Unusal shyness

Sexual Abuse: Occurs when an adult or older child exploits a child for sexual gradification. Sexual abuse includes fondling, sodomy, child prostition, incest, and forcing or encouraging a child to participate in pornographic activity.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse:

• Pain and irritation of the genitals
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear
• Genital discharge
• Sudden changes in behavior
• In young children, preoccupation with genitals

Emotional Abuse: Occurs when a parent creates a negative environment for a child.

Indicators of Emotional Abuse:

• Speech disorders or eating disorders
• Flat spot or bald spot on infants head
• Poor relations with peers
• Habit disorders such as biting, rocking, head banging