Abuse is defined in three ways.
- Physical abuse exists when a child has an non-accidental injury.
- Emotional abuse exists when parents always put blame on a child or always reject the child.
- Sexual abuse exists when an adult uses a child as a part of any type of sexual act.
Neglect is defined in two ways.
- Emotional neglect is when the child suffers from the parent's not giving them chances for feeling loved, wanted, secure, and worthy.
- Physical neglect is when a parent does not provide basic needs or a safe place to live. Examples are:
- not having enough food or clothing;
- not following doctor's orders;
- not providing the supervision needed to keep the child safe;
- not having heat in the winter.