Search Form Controls

Injury Prevention & Control: Division of Violence Prevention

ShareShare

This website is part of

VetoViolence Logo
Hide Toolbar
CLOSE

ABOUT

We have created this site because state health departments can play a leading role in child maltreatment prevention through programs and services that enhance family resiliency and foster positive child development. With public health infrastructure existing in every state and territory within the United States, the public health system is well-positioned to create a prevention system for children and families. We hope the information provided in this site is helpful in supporting your efforts to promote the health and well-being of children.

This work was supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

In partnership with National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation

bckgd test
 

WHAT IS CHILD MALTREATMENT?

Whether it be an act (physical, sexual, psychological) or omission (physical and emotional neglect), it is child maltreatment if it causes harm, the potential for harm, or the threat of harm by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher).

Child maltreatment can include:

  1. Physical Abuse - hitting, kicking, shaking, burning
  2. Sexual Abuse - fondling, rape, exposure to sexual activities
  3. Emotional Abuse - name-calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, threatening, harming self-worth and well-being
  4. Neglect - lack of housing, food, clothing, education, access to medical care, and other basic needs

Learn more about child maltreatment prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/childmaltreatment/index.htmlExternal Website Link 

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Child Maltreatment: Definitions [online]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/childmaltreatment/definitions.htmlExternal Website Link 

Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. Child Maltreatment 2008 [online]. Washington (DC): Government Printing Office; 2010. Available from: www.acf.hhs.govExternal Website Link.