Which statement best defines child abuse?

Which statement best defines child abuse?

• A. Any non-accidental injury, sexual battery, or injury to the intellectual or psychological capacity of a child by the parent, adult household member, or other person responsible for the child's welfare
• B. Any argument between a parent and child
• C. A child getting ill
• D. A child receiving punishment for bad behavior

Answer: (A)

Child abuse is harm to a child that comes from someone responsible for the child’s welfare, involving physical injury, sexual harm, or harm to the child’s emotional or psychological well-being. The statement that best defines abuse includes all three types of harm and ties them to a caregiver or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, which is why it’s the correct choice. Disagreements between a parent and child, illness, or a punishment that stays within normal disciplinary bounds do not by themselves define abuse. Abuse involves actual or potential serious harm caused by someone entrusted with the child’s care.

Child abuse is harm to a child that comes from someone responsible for the child’s welfare, involving physical injury, sexual harm, or harm to the child’s emotional or psychological well-being. The statement that best defines abuse includes all three types of harm and ties them to a caregiver or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, which is why it’s the correct choice.

Disagreements between a parent and child, illness, or a punishment that stays within normal disciplinary bounds do not by themselves define abuse. Abuse involves actual or potential serious harm caused by someone entrusted with the child’s care.