What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Series Title: Factsheets

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2013

(PDF - 359 KB)

This factsheet outlines the legal definition of child abuse and neglect, the different types of abuse and neglect, and the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Resources about the impact of trauma on well-being also are included.
Note: This factsheet combines and updates two previous factsheets from Child Welfare Information Gateway: What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? and Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms.

Table of Contents

Introduction

How Is Child Abuse and Neglect Defined in Federal Law?

What Are the Major Types of Child Abuse and Neglect?

Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Resources

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
(Factsheets)
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
(Factsheets)

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). What is child abuse and neglect? Recognizing the signs and symptoms. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.