However, all categories of abuse endanger or impair a child's physical or emotional health and development and, therefore, demand attention. Physical Abuse Physical abuse may be defined as any act which, regardless of intent, results in a nonaccidental physical injury. This usually happens when the caretaker is frustrated or angry and strikes, shakes, or throws the child. Physical Neglect Physical neglect may be defined as the failure to provide for a child's physical survival needs to the extent that there is harm or risk of harm to the child's health or safety. Sexual abuse encompasses a broad range of behavior and may consist of many acts over a long period of time or a single incident.
Victims range in age from less than one year through adolescence.
The nature of sexual abuse, the shame of the child victim, and the possible involvement of trusted parents, stepparents, or other persons in a caretaker role make it extremely difficult for children to come forward to report sexual abuse. Just as physical injuries can scar and incapacitate a child, emotional maltreatment can similarly cripple a child emotionally, behaviorally, and intellectually. Varying degrees of emotional and behavioral problems are common among children who have been emotionally abused. If a child is degraded enough, the child will begin to live up to the image communicated by the abusing parent or caretaker. Some of the indicators may indicate types of problems other than abuse, but repeated occurrences of an indicator or presence of several indicators warrants further investigation.