What is Child Abuse

It is any form of ill-treatment by an adult or other person that can harm, violent or threaten the safety of the child including their well-being, dignity, and development.

Or child maltreatment is the physical, sexual, and/or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child or children, especially by a parent or a caregiver.

A child is a young human who is not an adult. Abuse connotes misuses, maltreatment, insult and all forms of corrupt practices. It involves using something wrongly or harmfully. Therefore, child abuse is about the misuse, maltreatment or exploitation of children. It occurs when children are handled unjustly or corruptly by adults in the society either verbally, physically, mentally or otherwise. Child abuse is considered a criminal act because it denies the fundamental human right of children. 7 Maltreatment of any kind meted to any person, child or adult should not be considered as the will of God. God desires discipline and training not abuse. In the Bible, it states, “Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you because the Lord discipline those he loves” (Heb. 12:25-26). Child abuse is a crime of harming a child.

A physical maltreatment or sexual molestation of a child.

Failure to act on the part of a parent or caregiver which may lead to an impending danger such as; physical severe or emotional harm, sexual abuse or death.

Any action that violates the rights of a child in any form, which can take various forms, including physical, psychological and social.

Child abuse is when an adult, parent, or caretaker causes injury, death, emotional or sexual harm, or risk of serious harm through action or failing to act.

When a caregiver or teacher causes bodily harm or injury or death to a child of under 18 years of age. Forms of abuse are neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse.