Neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse are the four major types of maltreatment of children. These four often occur in combination although each one may be found separately in maltreatment cases. More specifically, child abuse and neglect is defined as; any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm, according to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
If you are a neighbor, educator, friend or casual observer of someone you suspect is abusing a child or of a child that may have been abused or neglected, we are here to tell you to follow your instincts. Alert the authorities in your town immediately. Rest assured you can do so anonymously. And if you feel the protection of children should be a priority in our nation with tougher laws against the perpetrators of these crimes then we encourage you to contact your state congressman or Senator either by mail or email.
Whether you are a parent or not we all need to stand up for our children!
