DEFINITION

Abuse is a broad term that includes:

• Physical abuse occurs when a child's body is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or other show of force.
• Sexual abuse involves engaging a child in sexual acts. It includes fondling, rape, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.
• Emotional Abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child's self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, an threatening.