These types of abuse can have a devastating effect on development and well-being.
When a child is being verbally abused, often theiremotional developmentsuffers as a result.
Sexual Abuse
By law, children cannot consent to sexual acts of any kind.
mrs / Getty Images
Any sexual activity that occurs between an adult and a minor is consideredsexual abuse.
In more than 90% of child sexual abuse cases, the child or family knows the perpetrator.
A perpetrator doesnt have to touch a child to abuse them sexually.
They may hide certain body parts with clothing, or they may blame the injury on a sibling.
Their explanation of the injury may change or may not match the injury itself.
Types of neglect include:
Unfortunately, neglect can occur with or without intention.
However, friends, neighbors, and relatives reported 15.7% of the time.
A childs life may be in danger.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
For this reason, child mistreatment can go unreported and unaddressed.
Trained professionals can investigate the situation and connect the child to relevant services if abuse is confirmed.
They can then begin the process of recovery, starting with diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing child abuse & neglect.
Reviewed March 15, 2021.
Child Welfare Information Gateway.Child Maltreatment 2019: Summary of Key Findings.
Brassard MR, Hart SN, Hardy DB.Psychological and emotional abuse of children.
In: Ammerman RT, Hersen M, eds.Case Studies in Family Violence.
2015;50:94-103. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.02.010
Stanford School of Medicine.Signs & symptoms.
RAINN.Warning signs for young children.
Christian CW, Neglect C on CAA.The evaluation of suspected child physical abuse.Pediatrics.
2015;135(5):e1337-e1354.
doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0356
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.Child physical abuse.
Stanford School of Medicine.Child abuse.
Children’s Bureau.Child Maltreatment 2019.
2020;146(4).
2001;42(2):184-201.
2020;177(1):20-36. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010020