Hitting a child is often the only thing they know how to do when they're feeling angry or frustrated. Physical Neglect Physical neglect is withholding of, or failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life including adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical or dental care and supervision needed for optimal physical growth and development. Physical neglect also includes abandonment, expulsion from or not allowing a runaway to return home, and failure to enroll the child in school or permitting chronic truancy. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child for the needs of an adult, ranging from exhibitionism and fondling to intercourse, or the use of a child in the production of pornographic materials. Sexual abuse includes a broad range of behavior and may consist of a single incident or many incidents over a long period of time.
Victims range in age from less than one year through adolescence.
Emotional neglect is the consistent failure of a parent or caregiver to provide a child with appropriate support, attention, and affections for a child's psychological growth and development. Emotional abuse is a chronic pattern of behaviors including verbal attacks, constant teasing, belittling and placing expectations on a child beyond his or her capabilities. Both types of emotional abuse attack a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth.