Frequently Asked Questions about Child Abuse & Neglect
There are four major types of child maltreatment: NEGLECT, PHYSICAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ABUSE and EMOTIONAL ABUSE.
- Neglect is the failure to provide for a child's basic needs including physical, medical, educational and emotional needs.
- Physical abuse is physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result punching, beating kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting, or otherwise harming a child.
- Sexual abuse includes activities such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
- Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
What is Child Abuse?
California law defines child abuse as any of the following:
- A child is physically injured by other than accidental means
- A child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
- A child is abused or exploited sexually
- A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.
Any child may be victimized. Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, occupational, religious, and age groups.
Remember, child abuse is a CRIME!
Where to report suspected abuse or neglect:
In the case of immediate, life threatening child endangerment dial 911. To report non-emergency suspected child abuse and neglect, call, then fax or mail, a completed Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting form to the appropriate Child Welfare Services office and law enforcement agency in your county. To download a form, click here.
Children can not protect themselves. It is up to all adults to report suspected child abuse or negelect. You DO NOT need proof. The State Attorney General's Office provides this five-page condensed version of the California Child Abuse & Neglect Mandated Reporting Laws.