Abuse or Neglect
When most people think of child maltreatment, they usually think of one general category
concerning any type of harm inflicted upon a child. What most people do not realize is
there is a second category known as child neglect. Child neglect happens to be the most
common form of child maltreatment, and sometimes the most overlooked.
Child abuse and child neglect both share some common traits. Both categories are
punishable by law, carrying heavy penalties in court. They each cause developmental
issues physically, socially, and emotionally. Also, child abuse and child neglect are equally
detrimental and could cause the death of a child.
Child abuse and child neglect, even with their similarities, have very different definitions
and characteristics. Child abuse is any intended or actual harm done to a child by the
parent or primary caregiver. A child being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused
would fall under the category of child abuse. Child neglect is the parent or primary
caregiver denying a child his or her basic needs. Abandoning a child or failing to provide
adequate food, shelter, or clothing is child neglect. Even failing to provide educational
and health services for a child would be considered child neglect.
Child abuse and child neglect, however similar, are two different forms of child
maltreatment. They each deserve their own category to make it easier to recognize,
define, and judge the exact extent of wrong done to a child....