Child Abuse

Types of Child Abuse 


Physical Abuse
Physical Abuse is "nonaccidental physical injujry to a child. Examples are punching, hitting, pushing, shoving, biting, burning, slapping, etc.

Neglect
Neglect is a parent or guardian's failure to meet the basic needs of a child such as food, shelter, water, clothes, medical care or supervision.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation 
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is when a child is exposed or touched sexually in any way. shape or form. This includes forcing a child to participate in prostitution or child pornography.

Emotional Abuse
Emotional Abuse is damaging a child's "emotional stability" through words or actions such as neglect or verbal abuse.

Parental Substance Abuse
Parental Substance Abuse is when a parent abuses drugs or other substances around the child, exposing them to sickness and illnesses. This includes prenatal drugs and substances consumed during a pregnancy, selling drugs, or any substance consumed that stops the parent from giving the child full supervision and care.

Abandonment
Abandonment is any situation in which the parent's location or whereabouts are unknown. This also includes a child being left in a place where they are exposed to harm or suffering.

Standards for Reporting Child Abuse
A report is required if an adult has any cause to suspect that the child is being abused at home, often times it can be teachers at school or extracurricular instructors.

Persons Responsible for the Child 
Any case of child abuse can also affect the parent, given that more than likely, they are the perpetrator of the abuse being inflicted on the child.

Exceptions
Some exceptions are made when it comes into child abuse, for example, if the child is not provided for due to insufficient financial funds, this is not seen as child abuse. And, in other places, physical discipline is allowed as long as it does not cause any bodily harm to the child.

How Texas Defines Child Abuse and Neglect

Physical: injury that results in substantial harm to the child, threat to harm the child, failure to make an effort to prevent any physical harm, causing or forcing a child to use a certain substance

Neglect: placing a child in a helpless situation, failing to help a child in a helpless situation, failing to provide the child with food, water, shelter, clothing.

Sexual Abuse/Exploitation: sexual conduct that harms a child's mental, emotional, or physical health.

Emotional Abuse: anything that impairs the child's emotional or mental growth