Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is when a person caring for a child causes physical injury that is not accidental. Reported injuries may include the following:

  • Bruises
  • Scratches
  • Welts
  • Burns
  • Swelling
  • More serious injuries such as scars or broken bones
  • Hitting with a closed fist
  • Choking
  • Shaking an infant​

Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is sexual contact with a minor. The contact may include the following:

  • Touching on an intimate part of the body
  • Having a child engage in sexual activities
  • Exposing a child to pornographic or sexual material
  • Involving a child in pornography or other sexual acts

Sexual exploitation of a minor includes the following:

  • Use of a minor in a sexual performance
  • Threats or coercion of a minor to engage in sexual contact or penetration
  • Solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct
  • Any sexual penetration or sexual contact in exchange for something of value​

Neg​lect

Child neglect is the failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply the following:

Neglect by a person responsible for a child's care can also include:

  • Chronic use of alcohol or drugs
  • Dangerous conditions of the home
  • Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol​

Substantial child endangerment

Substantial child endangerment is when a child is put in dangerous situations. These situations will likely cause harm to their physical, mental or emotional health. This can include:

  • Sexual abuse
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Living with a predatory offender
  • Allowing access to loaded firearms​

Threatened inj​ury

A statement or act that exposes a child to risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury.  This can include:

  • Exposure to domestic violence
  • Failing to protect from serious harm​

Mental ​injury

Mental injury is a pattern of behavior by a parent or caregiver that harms a child's mental health. This harm must be significant and observable and can include the following:

  • Rejecting
  • Isolating
  • Terrorizing
  • Corrupting

​Labor ​trafficking

Labor trafficking is a mandated report even if the perpetrator is not a caregiver. Labor trafficking is when a child is compelled to work or provide services to another person by use of:​

  • Force
  • Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Coercion
  • Debt bondage​



Last updated: 1/15/2026 11:24 AM