Child Abuse: An Overview
State Child Abuse Laws
In every state, the following people are required by law to report suspected abuse: Doctors; nurses; dentists; mental health professionals; social workers; teachers; day care workers; law enforcement personnel. In some states, clergy, foster parents, attorneys, and camp counselors also are required to report abuse. In about 18 states, any person who suspects abuse is required to report it.6,15,20,24
For a detailed analysis of the state-by-state variations in the legal definition of child abuse, read Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements: Reporting Laws Number 1: Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect, from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect web site.
For a detailed analysis of the state-by-state variations in mandatory reporting laws, read Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements: Reporting Laws Number 2: Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect, from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect web site.
Child Abuse Introduction | Signs of Child Abuse
Child Abuse Statistics | It’s Under Reported
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Abuse General
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Child Sexual Abuse
Injuries to Children: Physical and Sexual Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual Abuse
Definition of Physical Abuse | Signs of Physical Abuse
Definition of Sexual Abuse | Signs of Sexual Abuse
Definition of Child Neglect | Signs of Child Neglect
Definition of Emotional Abuse | Signs of Emotional Abuse
Abusers | Pedophiles
Child Physical Abuse and Corporal Punishment
Treatment for Child Abuse
Costs to Society
Conclusions
References
State Child Abuse Laws
Nationwide Crisis Line and Hotline Directory
Referring to this article:
“Child Abuse: An Overview” was written by C. J. Newton, MA, Learning Specialist and published in the Find Counseling.com (formerly TherapistFinder.net) Mental Health Journal in April, 2001.
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