Child Abuse
The abuse or neglect of a child can have devastating effects on children and their families, as can false allegations, underreporting, and lack of knowledge. Child abuse is often zealously prosecuted and certain people are required by law to report instances of child abuse believed to have taken place. This section contains articles that explain what constitutes legal child abuse, elements needed to prove child abuse allegations, defenses that may be available in some cases, and potential penalties and sentencing options for offenders.
- Child Abuse Definition and Statutes - Brief description of criminal child abuse, with links to state and national child abuse laws.
- Child Abuse Overview - Discussion of child abuse laws involving the physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment of a child, including elements needed to prove the crime, mandatory reporting laws, and child abuse warning signs.
- Child Abuse Defenses - Summary of common defenses that a person who is wrongfully accused of child abuse may raise, such as false allegations, accident, and parental right to discipline.
- Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing - Factors a judge may use to impose penalties during the sentencing phase of a child abuse case following a conviction.
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