Child Abuse – A Review Article

Abstract

Any purposeful act of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, including acts of neglect, done by a person responsible for the child's care has come to be known as child abuse. Violence against children, according to UNICEF, can take many forms "Neglect or negligent care, exploitation, and sexual assault are all examples of physical and mental abuse. Violence can occur in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, orphanages, residential care facilities, the streets, the workplace, jails, and other detention facilities." Such violence can disrupt a child's normal development, affecting their mental, physical, and social well-being. Abuse of a child might result in death in extreme situations. Child abuse and neglect are defined as "at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker that results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act that poses an imminent risk of serious harm" according to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act1.