Worldwide, there are millions of children who face neglect and abuse each and every day. Even though we would rather avoid it, this issue is a top priority. This atrocity affects kids from all ethnicity’s, incomes, age groups and genders. Child abuse and neglect need to end, no matter the stakes.

Both child abuse and neglect affect all societal statuses and classes in all eras.

Here is the government’s definition of neglect and child abuse:

If a parent is aware of, but does not act in an adequate manner on any actions of a caregiver that results in sexual abuse, physical or mental harm, or death of a child.

Essentially, child abuse or neglect is committed when the caregiver is unable to intervene at an instant when an act or failure to act could result to undue injury or harm.

There are clear laws concerning child abuse, it is appalling to see the cases on TV in the evening.  There is no “cut and dried” child abuse case. This is why we must know what the exact definition of child abuse really is.

In-uterus child abuse can occur before a child is born, if the mother uses drugs that are harmful to the fetus, drinks alcohol, or uses tobacco. A mother who engages in this kind of behavior puts her baby at risk and is guilty of child abuse. Calling the authorities should be your number one priority when child abuse is suspected. It is your responsibility to tell someone about child abuse or child neglect when you notice a child in a dangerous situation or is being abused physically. You can find the phone number for the “Child Protective Services” in your telephone book.

There is a difference between swatting a child on the behind and child abuse. Spanking a child with an object, such as a belt or using a closed fist to hit a child is child abuse and reporting the incident is necessary.