An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” [4] Child maltreatment is defined in specific terms by each individual state, however some general examples of what might be considered abuse or neglect (depending on state statutes) are listed below. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional.
The physician is mandated to report suspected child abuse according to his or her state laws. He or she must be aware of the legal recourses for child protection in cases when the child remains at risk.
Many states also specify certain professionals as “mandated reporters”, meaning that they are required by law to report child maltreatment. These designated professionals, typically those in regular contact with children, are legislated by individual states. They typically include professions such as the following:
Emotional abuse, which is almost always present with the other two forms of abuse, is a “pattern of behavior which impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth” including constant criticism, threats, rejection, or the withholding of love, support or guidance. [5]