Some cases of physical neglect of children can be explained by family poverty and inability to purchase materials and services. Caseworkers can be of help to these families in providing access to financial assistance. Some children experience physical neglect as a result of parental substance abuse or parental mental illness or disability. Sexual abuse ranges from non-touching behavior, which involves activities like genital exposure of the perpetrator or intentionally showing a child pornography, to touching behavior, which can involve the perpetrator touching the child, asking the child to touch the perpetrator, or asking the child to touch another person. Sexual abuse also includes any oral, vaginal, or anal penetration done for a non-medical purpose.
Sexual exploitation involves the use of children in prostitution or pornography.
Perpetrators can be of any age and range from elderly citizens to young children who abuse younger or weaker children. Perpetrators, as well as victims, can be male or female. The use of obscenities, racial slurs, or other insulting language directed at a child. This type of abuse is used to tear down the confidence and dignity of the child. Emotional Abuse - The creation of a negative emotional atmosphere for the child.