Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher). There are four common types of abuse: Physical abuse is the use of physical force, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or other show of force against a child; Sexual abuse involves engaging a child in sexual acts. It includes fondling, rape, and exposing a child to other sexual activities; Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening; Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection

United States