What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse is defined as the emotional, physical, or sexual harm caused by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver for a child who is under the age of 18. Child neglect occurs when a parent, guardian, or other caregiver for a child who is under the age of 18, fails to give adequate supervision for the child such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or education.

Abuse of a child is also explained as child abandonment which consists of failing to care for and maintain the custody and control of a child. Failure to control and protect a child can pose a physical or moral risk without the proper supervision of the child. Cruelty to a child consists of exposing the child to hardship, whether mental or physical, that poses a threat and injury to the physical and moral well-being of the child.