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What is Child Abuse?
It's any mistreatment of a child that results in harm or injury. Child abuse includes:
Physical abuse -- for example, purposely hurting a child by hitting, biting or shaking.
Emotional abuse -- for example, crushing a child's spirit with threats or put-downs.
Sexual abuse -- for example, sexual contact with a child; using a child for sexual films or prostitution; obscene language.
Neglect -- for example, failing to provide for emotional needs (love, attention, etc.) or physical needs (food, clothing, shelter, etc.); failure to offer supervision.
Millions of cases of child abuse are reported each year. Many more go unreported.
Why should I learn about it?
Child abuse hurts everyone.
Children suffer. The physical and emotional harm can last a lifetime.
Society suffers, too. The cost in ruined lives and broken families can't be measured.
But, there's a lot you can do. You can help prevent child abuse and limit the damage suffered by children and families.
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