Child abuse is defined by experts as any  harm to, or neglect of, a child by another person (e.g., parent, caretaker, other) that presents an imminent risk or results in serious physical or emotional harm and, in some cases, the death of a minor.

Abuse in children and adolescents can take various forms, ranging from physical abuse to sexual or mental abuse.  Research indicates that childhood abuse and neglect may cause important regions of the brain to fail to develop properly, resulting in impaired physical, mental and emotional development – a condition known as failure to thrive. It also suggests that the stress of chronic abuse may cause a “hyperarousal” response by certain areas of a child’s brain, which may result in hyperactivity.   

Regardless of the type of abuse inflicted, it almost always results in psychological damage for children and adolescents, especially if it is ongoing. Abuse can lead to increased anxiety and stress, sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. It can also put children at risk for developing emotional disorders or mental illnesses including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorders, learning disorders, major depression, eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent research also suggests a link between child abuse and schizophrenia.

Ongoing abuse may also put children and teenagers at risk for later developing substance abuse or dependence, high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple sex partners), poor health, poor academic performance, suicidal ideation and untimely death. In addition, children who have been exposed to abuse – even if they only witness it – are also more likely to experience domestic and psychological abuse as adults or to grow up to become abusive themselves. 

Abuse can occur among all people of all genders, races, educational backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. However, child abuse is more prevalent in families with a history of domestic violence, substance abuse problems and those living in poverty or facing other socioeconomic disadvantages, such as unemployment and lack of education.

In most cases, abuse and neglect in children are perpetrated by parents. Frequently the perpetrator is a young adult in his or her mid-20s without a high school diploma, living at or below the poverty level. The abuser is also often depressed, often has substance abuse problems and may have difficulty coping with stressful situations. In many instances, perpetrators have experienced abuse themselves. Most child deaths resulting from physical abuse are caused by fathers and other male caretakers. On the other hand, sexual abuse in children is most often perpetrated by a male friend of the child’s family, neighbor or other male relative.  

Recent estimates by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated that 906,000 children experienced child abuse and neglect in 2003. Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaskan Native and African American children had the highest rates of victimization. Infants ages 3 and younger experienced the highest rate of abuse, with girls being slightly more victimized than boys.