There are four common types of child abuse and neglect:
- Physical abuse: behavior, including corporal punishment, that injures or can injure a child
- Emotional abuse: behavior that harms a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being
- Sexual abuse: behavior that exposes a child to sexual acts, contact, or exploitation
- Neglect: behavior that results in failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs
Some states include other forms of maltreatment in their definitions. Visit the State Statutes Search to find the definition in your jurisdiction. Tribes may list their information with the state they are in, as well as on their Tribal website.
Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect
Knowing the risk factors for child abuse and neglect can help programs provide extra support for families. Some risk factors to know about include:
- Young children experience a higher risk of child maltreatment than older children. Babies under age one are the most at risk.
- Children with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse or neglect.
- Living in a home with domestic violence increases the risk of child maltreatment.
- Parental substance use is a risk factor.
- Caregivers who experienced abuse or neglect as children may carry trauma that can affect how they discipline children.
Health managers can leverage Head Start resources across service areas to lower the risk factors for child maltreatment.
