Child Abuse (Glossary)

Child Abuse: Any physical, sexual, emotional and/or other maltreatment or exploitation of a child. For legal purposes, the term "abuse" is specifically defined in both Federal and State legislation. The Federal CAPTA legislation provides a foundation for States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that characterize maltreatment of a child. This legislation also defines what acts will be considered to constitute physical or sexual abuse of a child.