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Child Abuse & Neglect

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Child Abuse and Neglect is defined 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, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

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.

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.

Prevalence of Specific ACEs among Maryland Adults

22%

Physical Abuse 

31%

Emotional Abuse 

15%

Mental Illness

22%

Substance Misuse

29%

Divorce

7%

Incarcerated Relative

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. Read more on the Maryland Department of Health ACEs report.

Partnership for a Safer Maryland

Webinars

Want to learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences? We have a webinar on this topic, and many more, on our membership page! Join PSM for free to access our members only Training Library.

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Our mission is to advocate for injury and violence prevention and promote education and surveillance in Maryland through statewide partnerships.

© Copyright 2022 Partnership for a Safer Maryland. All Rights Reserved.

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