Child Abuse & Neglect
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines child abuse as all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., a religious leader, a coach, or a teacher) that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child.
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
All Maryland citizens should report suspected abuse or neglect to the local department of social services or to a local law enforcement agency. Ensuring the safety of Maryland’s children is an obligation shared by all citizens and organizations.
Go to the Maryland Department of Human Services to learn more about reporting suspected abuse and neglect.
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There are four common types of abuse and neglect:
Physical Abuse
The intentional use of physical force that can result in physical injury. Examples include hitting, kicking, shaking, or other shows of force against a child.
Sexual Abuse
Refers to any completed or attempted sexual acts or sexual contact with a child by a caregiver. Examples include fondling, penetration, and exposing a child to sexual activities.
Emotional Abuse
Refers to behaviors that harm a child's self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name-calling, shaming, rejecting, and withholding love.
Neglect
Is the failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, access to medical care, and having feelings validated and appropriately responded to.
What are ACEs?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0 -17 years), such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community, or having a family member attempt or die by suicide. ACEs are preventable. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to children’s health and well-being.
Below is the prevalence of specific ACEs amongst Maryland adults. Read more on the Maryland Department of Health ACEs report.
22%
Physical Abuse
31%
Emotional Abuse
29%
Divorce
15%
Mental Illness
22%
Substance Misuse
7%
Incarcerated Relative
