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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChild abuse takes many forms:
- Physical abuse. Physical child abuse occurs when a child is purposefully injured.
- Sexual abuse. Sexual child abuse is any sexual activity with a child, including fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse and exposure to child pornography.
- Emotional abuse. Emotional child abuse includes verbal and emotional assault — such as continually belittling or berating a child — as well as isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.
- Neglect. Child neglect is failure to provide adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision or medical care.
Most child abuse is inflicted by someone the child knows and trusts, often a parent or other relative. If you suspect child abuse, report the abuse to the proper authorities.
References
- Sirotnak AP, et al. Child abuse and neglect. In: Hay WW Jr, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3399277. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Child maltreatment 2008. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm08/cm08.pdf. Accessed May 19, 2010.
- What do I need to know about child abuse? American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/What-to-Know-about-Child-Abuse.aspx. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Bernet W. Child maltreatment. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3291295. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Recognizing child abuse and neglect: Signs and symptoms. Child Information Gateway. http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Milosavljevic N, et al. Abuse and neglect. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201664618-3/0/1657/764.html. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Berkowitz CD. Child abuse and neglect. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=614652. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Whipple EE, et al. Crossing the line from physical discipline to child abuse: How much is too much? Child Abuse and Neglect. 1997;21:431.
- Chung EK, et al. Parenting attitudes and infant spanking: The influence of childhood experiences. Pediatrics. 2009;124:e278.
- Asnes AG. Managing child abuse: General principles. Pediatrics in Review. 2010;31:47.
- Long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect. Child Welfare Information Gateway. http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.pdf. Accessed May 18, 2010.
- Shipman K, et al. Mental health treatment of child abuse and neglect: The promise of evidence-based practice. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:417.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 20, 2010.
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