Stop Child Abuse

Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States. Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse.

Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. Child abuse takes many forms, which often occur at the same time.

Physical abuse. Physical child abuse occurs when a child is purposely physically injured or put at risk of harm by another person.

Sexual abuse. Sexual child abuse is any sexual activity with a child, such as fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse, exploitation or exposure to child pornography.

Emotional abuse. Emotional child abuse means injuring a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being. It includes verbal and emotional assault  such as continually belittling or berating a child  as well as isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.

Medical abuse. Medical child abuse occurs when someone gives false information about illness in a child that requires medical attention, putting the child at risk of injury and unnecessary medical care.

Neglect. Child neglect is failure to provide adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision, education, or dental or medical care.

Child Abuse Penalties: Charges, Pleas, and Sentences

Child abuse may be charged as either a felony or a less serious offense, depending on the circumstances. The most severe cases can carry harsh child abuse sentences, including felony lifetime sentences, while the least serious cases are considered gross misdemeanors which could potentially result in no prison time. Punishment will typically be more severe if the offender has a prior record of criminal child abuse activity and greatly reduced if there is no prior record.

For sentencing purposes, a person charged with child abuse may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In a large number of cases, sentencing can include probation or a prison term of up to five years. Sentencing in more serious cases may include a longer prison term.

Other possible penalties and/or consequences can include:

Lifetime requirement to register as a child sexual offender

Termination of parental rights

Ruined reputation

Criminal record

Supervised access to the child

Physical or actual loss and enjoyment of a child

Continual involvement with a child protective services agency

Child Abuse Penalties: Failure to Report

People who fail to report child abuse or neglect can also face penalties and consequences in states with mandatory reporting laws. These laws typically apply only to certain individuals who are in a position to discover child abuse. This can include teachers, medical professionals or law enforcement, among others.

In states with mandatory reporting laws, those subject to the reporting requirements must report cases of suspected child abuse through a hotline or law enforcement agency. Failure to do so in a timely manner is considered a misdemeanor in most states and can result in fines, jail time, or both.