Child abuse takes on many forms.
- Sexual abuse is forcing or taking advantage of a child by an older person (adult or adolescent) for the sexual pleasure of the older person.
- Neglect is the failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, education needed for physical growth and development.
- Physical abuse occurs when a child’s physical health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm by the act of his/her parent(s) or caretaker(s).
- Emotional abuse occurs when a caregiver uses words or actions that will hurt the growth of a child’s mind, body or feelings.
Children living in abusive homes also suffer emotional trauma and psychological scars from witnessing violence that takes place between others in the home. These children live in fear or harm from persons who are supposed to care and protect them.
