Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child.

There are many forms of child maltreatment, including:

• Neglect
• Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse
• Exploitation ​
• Emotional Abuse

When a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse.

Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor. A child cannot consent to any form of sexual activity, period.

When a perpetrator engages with a child this way, they are committing a crime that can have lasting effects on the victim for years.

Child sexual abuse does not need to include physical contact between a perpetrator and a child. Some forms of child sexual abuse include:

• Exhibitionism, or exposing oneself to a minor
• Fondling Intercourse Masturbation in the presence of a minor or forcing the minor to masturbate Obscene phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction
• Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies of children Sex of any kind with a minor, including vaginal, oral, or anal Sex trafficking
• Any other sexual conduct that is harmful to a child's mental, emotional, or physical welfare​

Child sexual abuse isn't always easy to spot. The perpetrator could be someone you've known a long time or trust, which may make it even harder to notice.

• Consider the following warning signs: Physical signs: Bleeding, bruises, or swelling in genital area
• Bloody, torn, or stained underclothes
• Difficulty walking or sitting Frequent urinary or yeast infections
• Pain, itching, or burning in genital area
• Behavioral signs: Changes in hygiene, such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively
• Develops phobias
• Exhibits signs of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents
• Has trouble in school, such as absences or drops in grades
• Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
• Nightmares or bed-wetting
• Overly protective and concerned for siblings, or assumes a caretaker role
• Returns to regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking
• Runs away from home or school
• Self-harms
• Shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact