Child Abuse
What is Child Abuse?
Child Abuse is a criminalact that is defined as an overarching mismanagement, mishandling, and action with regard to the treatment of a child or an individual legally-classified as a minor. Child Abuse can range in its classification; oftentimes, the abuse of a child will be indicative of two specific factors – the examination and legal restitution corollary to the nature of the crime committed, as well as the inclusion of a minor within the realm of the crime committed. Child Abuse may be punishable to the fullest extent of the law as a result of the legal consideration that the prospect of manipulation, exploitation, and vulnerability latent within minors – or children – will vastly-exceed that in a legal adult.
What is a Minor?
A minor – or child – is defined as an individual who is prohibited from engaging in specific activity that is presumed to require a heightened sense of maturity and growth as a result of their respective age(s); oftentimes, this level of maturity and experience is considered to be a classification for legal-adulthood. A minor is prohibited from:
Consenting to sexual activity
Purchasing controlled substances
Authorizing a legal contract through signature
Partaking in the consumption of controlled substances
Validating participation in an activity or event that requires the presence of a legal guardian
Representing themselves in a court of law
Types of Child Abuse
Below are some examples of the most common forms of Child Abuse; depending on the crime, a Child Abuse conviction may exist in tandem with another criminal activity or unlawful act:
Child Endangerment: The endangerment of a child is a form of Child Abuse in which a legal adult compromises the welfare, safety, or wellbeing with regard to a child – or minor. This can take place in a variety of circumstances under which a presiding court mandates that the child – or children in question was participatory in an event that put their respective wellbeing at risk; this can range from the unlawful purchase of controlled substances for minors to the reckless operation of a motor vehicle carrying a child.
Child Molestation: This form of Child Abuse involves the illegal, unlawful, and illicit touching or contact with regard to a child – or minor; the bulk of child molestation charges are sexual in nature, and are considered to be representative of egregious violations and exploitation of a minor.
Physical Child Abuse: This form of Child Abuse involves the unlawful striking, hitting, or illicit physical contact with regard to a child; the intent to harm a child is considered to be latent within the intent of the bulk of those convicted of committing physical child abuse.
Emotional or Psychological Child Abuse: This form of Child Abuse involves any form of verbal abuse with regard to a child – or minor; Verbal Child Abuse is considered to be highly-destructive to the health, wellbeing, and emotional stasis of a minor – this type of child abuse can range from insults to name-calling
Sexual Child Abuse:Child Abuse that is sexual in nature involves the participation of a sexual act with a child, whom is legally-prohibited from consenting to such an act; this form of Child Abuse is considered to be predatory and exploitative in nature – sexual Child Abuse can range from statutory rape to the possession of child pornography
Related Topics
- Consequences of Child Abuse
- Child Grooming
- A Guide to the Child Abuse Hotline
- Report Child Abuse
- Importance of Child Advocacy
- Stop Hurting Children
- Permanent Damage