Child abuse refers to any cruel or harmful acts committed against a child, either through physical, sexual, emotional, or neglectful means, resulting in potential harm to the child's physical, psychological, or emotional well-being. It is a form of maltreatment that can take various forms and may be inflicted by parents, caregivers, or other individuals with responsibility or authority over the child.
Physical abuse involves intentionally causing physical harm or injury to a child through actions such as hitting, punching, shaking, burning, or biting, which can lead to physical pain, impairment, or even death. Sexual abuse entails engaging a child in any sexual activity, exposing them to explicit material, or using a child for the sexual gratification of others. Emotional abuse encompasses acts that inflict severe emotional or psychological harm, including verbal degradation, humiliation, rejection, isolation, or constant criticism, which can result in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or developmental issues.
Neglect, a form of abuse, refers to the failure to meet a child's basic needs, including adequate nutrition, shelter, medical care, supervision, or education, potentially jeopardizing the child's physical and emotional well-being.
Child abuse is universally condemned due to its detrimental effects on children, impeding their healthy development, and causing long-lasting physical and psychological scars. Society and legal systems establish various measures, such as child protection laws and social services, to prevent, detect, and intervene in cases of child abuse and provide support to affected children, families, and communities.
