Child abuse and neglect is, at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act).

This section offers resources on child abuse and neglect, including definitions, identification of signs and symptoms, statistics and data, risk and protective factors, the impact on individuals and society, characteristics of perpetrators, and information about child fatalities.

Definitions
Provides definitions from Federal and State laws and addresses the differences between discipline and abuse.

Identification
Includes resources on the signs and symptoms of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Risk factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect
Discusses characteristics of parents or caregivers, children, families, and communities associated with increased risk of child abuse or neglect.

People who engage in child abuse or neglect
Identifies the characteristics of perpetrators, including those who commit certain types of abuse.

Impact
Explores how abuse and neglect affect children, adolescents, adult survivors, and society.

Fatalities
Addresses the occurrence of child fatalities, perpetrator characteristics, and risk factors.

For help with reporting child abuse and neglect or to speak with a counselor, contact Childhelp® at 800.422.4453.