What a child care provider needs to know Child abuse is becoming a serious threat to the health, safety and well-being of children in this country. It is a very sensitive issue that needs to be carefully handled.
Child abuse consists of different types of harmful acts directed toward children.
In physical abuse, children are slapped, hit, kicked or pushed, or have objects thrown at them causing wounds, broken bones, or other injuries. Severe abuse may result in major injury, permanent physical or developmental damage, or even death. Emotional abuse involves humiliation, dishonoring or other acts carried out over time that terrorize or frighten the child. Sexual abuse consists of a wide range of sexual behavior, including fondling, masturbation and intercourse. Sexual abuse can also involve children in pornography.