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Abuse & Neglect Defined 
The following paragraphs describe child abuse and neglect as defined by the State of Oregon.
Physical Abuse
Physical harm to a child that is not accidental, such as bruises, welts, burns, cuts and broken bones.
Injuries may:
- Be in the shape of the article used (electric cord, belt buckle, etc.)
- Not match children's description of how they occurred (fracture from falling off sofa, etc.)
Neglect
Lack of care that causes harm to a child, including lack of food, clothing, shelter, supervision or medical attention.
Children often:
- Don't want to leave school.
- Are constantly tired.
- Are left alone with no supervision.
- Have unmet physical, emotional or medical needs.
Mental Injury
A continuing pattern of rejecting, terrorizing, ignoring, isolating or corrupting a child, resulting in serious damage to the child.
Children often:
- Have speech or sleep disorders.
- Fail to grow normally.
- Are very aggressive or withdrawn.
- Show an abnormal need for emotional support.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual contact in which a child is used to sexually stimulate another person is illegal. This may be anything from rape to fondling to involving a child in pornography.
Children often have:
- Difficulty walking or sitting; pain or itching in genital area; torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
- Poor peer relationships; fantasy or infantile behavior; fear of being left with someone.
- Inappropriate interest in, knowledge of, or acting out, of sexual matters.
- Any of the behavioral problems listed under Mental Injury (above).
Threat of Harm
Activities, conditions or persons that place a child at a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or mental injury.
Examples:
- Children living with a convicted sex offender (perhaps motherŐs boyfriend).
- Children living in a serious domestic violence situation where they are likely to be injured.
- Siblings to victims who have received a serious injury or have died from child abuse or neglect.
Abandonment
Parental behavior showing an intent to permanently give up rights to a child.
Child Selling
Buying, selling, bartering, trading, or offering to buy or sell the legal custody of a child.
More Info
This information comes from Oregon Department of Human Services, Services to Children and Families website. Visit Department of Human Services, Child Protection Services.
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More Topics
in this Section
Abuse and Neglect Defined
Why do People Abuse?
Long-Term Effects
Discipline
Local Statistics
How to Report Child Abuse
What You Can Do
How to respond to a child who reports abuse
Tips to stop abuse in a public place
Related Links
SCF Child Protection Services
Prevent Child Abuse America
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