Definitions of Abuse/Neglect

Abuse

  • Physical or Emotional:  Conduct, intended or not, that produces physical or emotional pain or injury. 
  • Verbal:  Words or gestures that threaten, harass, disparage or humiliate. 
  • Sexual:  Violation of criminal sexual conduct or prostitution statutes or sexual contact between a caregiver/provider and a minor child. 
  • Personal Exploitation:  Forcing a minor child to perform services for the advantage of another.

Neglect

  • Failure of a caregiver/provider to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care or supervision.

Self-Neglect

  • Absence of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care or supervision.


Anybody can make a voluntary report of suspected child abuse/neglect if that person has reason to believe that a child has been maltreated. The requirements for reporting are outlined in the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act.