Child Abuse

Summary

Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a
child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect, or not providing for a child’s needs, is also a
form of abuse.

Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage. An abused child may
become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent. An older
child may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away or abuse others.

Child abuse is a serious problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected,
call the police or your local child welfare agency.

Teenagers

• Abuse: What You Need to Know Nemours Foundation
• Going to a Therapist Nemours Foundation
• Youth and Teens Page National Runaway Safeline

Specifics

• Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) Nemours Foundation
• Shaken Baby Syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Shaken Baby Syndrome American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Find an Expert

• Administration for Children and Families Administration for Children and Families
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Statistics and Research

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• CDC Vital Signs: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patient Handouts

• Child abuse – physical Medical Encyclopedia
• Child neglect and emotional abuse Medical Encyclopedia
• Shaken baby syndrome Medical Encyclopedia

Start Here

• Child Abuse and Neglect Children’s Bureau
• Child Abuse: The Hidden Bruises American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Understanding Child Trauma Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms Children’s Bureau

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Abuse National Institutes of Health

Children

• Going to a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist (For Kids) Nemours Foundation
• How to Handle Abuse Nemours Foundation

Men

• Helping Yourself Heal: A Recovering Man’s Guide to Coping with the Effects of Childhood Abuse Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Women

• Helping Yourself Heal: A Recovering Woman’s Guide to Coping with Childhood Abuse Issues Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Encyclopedia

• Munchausen syndrome by proxy Medical Encyclopedia

Reference Desk

• National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Glossary Administration for Children and Families

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Children’s Bureau

Journal Articles

• Child Abuse

Related Issues

• Questions and Answers about Memories of Childhood Abuse American Psychological Association