Child abuse is any action, or lack of action, which jeopardizes or damages a child’s (i.e. under the age of seventeen) physical, psychological or emotional health and development.

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) defines Child Abuse as: “anything which individuals, institutions or processes do, or fail to do, which directly or indirectly harms children or damages their prospects of a safe and healthy development into adulthood.”

According to the Australian Childhood Foundation there are five main types of child abuse with many children experiencing more than one form of abuse. These are defined below. All forms of child abuse and neglect are detrimental to the child, and both physical and sexual abuses are crimes.

Physical abuse
Physical abuse refers to a parent or carer deliberately causing a physical injury to a child. Physical abuse includes: hitting, throwing, burning, shaking, and biting. Certain types of punishment, whilst not causing injury can also be considered physical abuse if they place a child at risk of being hurt, for example, locking a child outside in cold weather.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse refers to situations when children do not receive the love, security, affection or attention they need to develop properly or to feel good about themselves. Emotional and psychological abuse includes: constant criticism, ignoring, teasing, yelling and rejection.

Neglect
Neglect refers to situations when a child or young person’s essential needs for food, housing, health care and warm clothing are not met. Neglect includes depriving a child of nutrition, clothing, warmth and shelter, emotional security and protection, medical and dental care, hygiene, education, and supervision.

Exposure
Exposure refers to situations when a child or young person is exposed to family violence between adults in the home. Exposure can include witnessing violence (seeing or hearing) or being aware of it happening between adults in the home.

Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse occurs when an adult or someone bigger or older involves a child or young person in any sexual activity. This is covered in more detail in What is Child Sexual Abuse?
 
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