Child abuse and child neglect are tendencies which aren’t influenced by someone’s social class nor limited to any culture.

Here is the government’s definition of neglect and child abuse:

If a parent is aware of, but does not act in an adequate manner on any actions of a caregiver that results in sexual abuse, physical or mental harm, or death of a child.

Failure to act in the best interest of a child to prevent injury or harm by a caregiver is called child abuse.

Child abuse is awful to hear about on the news and we hear stories almost every day, the law is fairly clear about the punishment. But, every child abuse case, is not completely cut and dried. This is why we should ensure thorough understanding of what constitutes child abuse act.

In-utero child abuse can occur before a child is born, if the mother uses drugs that are harmful to the fetus, drinks alcohol, or uses tobacco. It is a high risk situation of child abuse if a mother performs these actions. Calling the authorities should be your number one priority when child abuse is suspected. You are obliged to report it if you see a child being abused or put in a dangerous situation. “Child Protective Services” should be listed in the phonebook.

Swatting a child and child abuse is not the same thing. Incidents of child abuse that must be reported include the striking of a child with an inanimate object, or punching the child with a closed fist.

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