How Is Child Abuse/Neglect Defined?
When children are abused, they have been seriously hurt, either physically or emotionally. This may also include any type of sexual abuse. When children are neglected, they have not received proper care or supervision. This may include children who do not receive necessary medical attention, who are inadequately fed or clothed, or who are inappropriately disciplined. Neglect also includes children who are left alone for long periods of time, or are living in a dangerous environment due to substance abuse by their caretakers.
