Child maltreatment is a generic term for many types of abuse or neglect of children younger than 18 years of age. The most frequently reported type of child maltreatment is environmental neglect, that is, the failure to provide physical necessities such as clothing, housing, food, or appropriate hygiene care. Beating is the most frequently reported abuse and includes direct assault with a hand or an instrument with a deliberate intent. Other types of physical abuse include pushing, biting, scalding, ritual abuse, and shaking.
Sexual abuse is the second most commonly reported form of child abuse.
Another type of abuse which occurs quite frequently is emotional abuse, ranging from isolation to demeaning verbal assaults. Children of single, young, or low income parents are at increased risk of abuse or neglect. Children of parents who were abused as children, or currently live in a home where domestic violence is occurring, are also at a higher risk. In addition, children born with special health or developmental needs such as prematurity, birth defects, or disabilities are also at elevated risk. Stress resulting from unemployment, lack of support system, and inadequate parenting or coping skills do contribute to child maltreatment.