Major forms of child abuse
Physical abuse - Any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or care-giver. Non-accidental injuries may include: hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, burning, pinching, strangulation, biting, throwing, shoving, whipping or paddling that results in bruises, welts, broken bones, scars or internal injury.

Sexual abuse – Child sexual abuse is the exploration of a child or adolescent for the sexual gratification of another person. Sexual Abuse may include fondling, penetration, intercourse, exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, oral-genital stimulation, sodomy, and forced observation of sexual acts.

Neglect – Neglect is the chronic failure of a parent or caregiver to provide for a child's basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, educational opportunity, protection and supervision. It estimated that the incidence of child neglect may be 5 times greater than that of physical abuse. Poverty is not neglect! Families with limited funds can provide basic care for their families by utilizing community resources and social services.

Emotional Abuse – Emotional Abuse is a chronic pattern of behaviors such as belittling, humiliating and ridiculing a child. This may include yelling, screaming, name-calling, shaming, telling them they are "bad, no good, worthless" or "a mistake". Emotional abuse almost always occurs with physical abuse however, it may occur as the only form of maltreatment or in conjunction with other forms of abuse. Emotional Neglect is a form of Emotional Abuse; it is the consistent failure of a parent or care-giver to provide a child with appropriate support, attention and affection. Both types of maltreatment result in impaired psychological growth and development in the child.