Criminal Law - 2- Child Abuse

pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn], (Child Abuse)

lgc]:An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].'es:miUc];El:miUc];Kw]sqk],sk];mk];ma}w}.wL:pQn]'An]hQt];SG],luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:ha}.haw]:kYam];liUc];nL,nL,'An]Kw]:pL;'lgc];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],Pa},Tat]:sG]'lgc]:tum].tiUw].tUw]kL,y'lgc]:w}.mw]mac]etL,Kw]'El:lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],kQw],KiUc]:sa};KiUc]:yic];'Am],nn]ekL:'kin]sik];tgk],sgk];Kw]'sL.siUw];n}.nn]."El:Aik],An]hQt];pUn].miuw];El:mc]SG],pUn].liUw]nL,'sL.siUw];n}.yw]."An]kUn];lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]luk]:Agn],Kw]lUw],l}:hQt];nc],mI;pk];piUc]w}.nn].n}.sm].'Kw]tk];etl}:la};can];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],mQw];lIcm];cw];nG];sG]'nn].yw]."An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],'Am],nn]'An]w}.mw]mac]etL,luk]:Agn],n}.sac]:l}:Kam],tac];sgp],Tam]hLciUn]:mn];tI:luk]:Agn],El:nL:hiUn];ey;Kw]nn].'miUn]nc],An]sgp],Tam]Amumap],wL:Pam];pQn]Aw]Aey;sg};JtL;En;SG],piUn]:nn].'yw]."

Child abuse is broadly defined in many states as any type of cruelty inflicted upon a child, including mental abuse, physical harm, neglect, and sexual abuse or exploitation. The specific crimes charged in instances of child abuse can include assault and battery.  In many states, certain individuals and caregivers are required by law to report suspected child abuse. The abuse or neglect of a child can have devastating effects on children and their families, as can false allegations.

nG];puk]:lik]:n}.n}.'etSac];lac];Enpn]'lgc]:An]wL:'epL;hQt];AI:Sc]siUc].hiuw]la}la}El:sac]:l}:kGL,pQn]An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],n}nn].El:Sc]'tL,EnSak]:eS,km].Tqm]lgc]:mn];pQn]An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Kw]Aman],Et.yw].n}nn].KiUc]:kuik];sgm];mn];lUw]l}:mI;Sc]la}la}n}nn].El:Sc]'nG];Amukm]:Pgc]:n}.An]sac]:etL,SU:kqt],EKl}:nn].Sm].etmI;Sc]la}la}'tac];nk];tam],mn];El:An]KYL.tam],ekL.pUn].pqn]nn].mI;tac];liUk]:la}la}tac];'sL.siUw];n}.nn].yU,yw]." This article to explain what constitutes legal child abuse, elements needed to prove child abuse allegations, defenses that may be available in some cases, and potential penalties and sentencing options for offenders.

Tt];Tgc]tUv];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUw]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].km]:Pgc]'(Child Abuse Overview)

lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'n}n}.pQn]miUw]:An]AU:Em:'Am],nn]ekL.lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]nn].'lUv]:tUw]kL,yeSEl:Sc]'lUv]:hqc];lUm];Tat]:sG]eSEl:Sc]'Am],nn]ekL:'lUv]:KiUc]:sa};KiUc]:yic];nn].eSEl:Sc]'hQt];Am],lIAm],lk];SG],'Am],nn]'kin]sik];tgk],sgk];tI:niUw]luk]:Agn],nn].yw]."luk]:Agn],ekL.l}:Kam],hQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,mn];'Am],nn]ekL:'mw]mac]pg},sliUw]:slL:pqt]:w}.nn].'eK;sac]:TUp];pYSnL,Kgc].Km]tc];nm]lUc]'miUn]siUc].nc],'kp];Siup],Kw]:Agk],kn]yap],'Am],epL;KG]:yum],ym]kUn];lUc]'etL;SyG],sG]Kgt];'(Am],nn]ekL:hUt];ecL;kUw]Eh)'tI:hUc];hQn];ekL:Am],epL;emLhQt];Sac]:sgm];piUn]:'sG]tUk];'KIm}:sG]'El:sG]lm]'sL.siUw];n}.yw]." Child abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver physically, emotionally, or sexually mistreats or exploits a child. A child who has been abused or neglected may experience a range of problems, such as relationship difficulties, lack of trust of adults, emotional outbursts (or retreat), low performance at school, depression, anxiety, and anger.

pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'n}n}.pQn]AI:Sc]siUc].hiuw]? What is Child Abuse?

tac];hQt];An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'pQn]tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:An]niuc]:"An]lgm].kqt],w}.pL;lgc];tac];yam];hQt];l}ala}mQw];'Kw]:pL;An]Aw]tUw]hQt];'Aw]hqc];lUm];Tat]:sG]hQt];'Am],nn]ekL:'Aw]KiUc]:yic];KiUc]:sa};nn].eS'hQt];Am],Sc],etL,nn].'Am],nn]ekL:'hQt];mw]mw]mac]mac]etL,luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:nn].yw]."mac]miUc];n}.'nG];pk];pUic]lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].'Kw]sqk],sk];mk];ma}w}.wL:'pUn].pQn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'n}n}.pQn]An]tUc].niuc]hQt];Sac]:'(Am],nn]ekL:'An]lut]:ham];tL,tUc].nuic]hQt];Sac]:)'siUw];lat]:EntI:tG]:nn].n}yw].' Child abuse is a crime that encompasses a variety of behaviors involving physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect upon a child. Some states child abuse laws define child abuse as any act (or failure to act) that:
- epL,pQn]mL;mQw];kiuc].kac].l}:sun].km];lQw]'Am],nn]'tiUw].mat],yG],sQp];lUc]'SG],tI:pa};yU,lIpI;San]; El:lgc]:yU,SL,kin]lIluk]:Agn],'ygn].piUw]:An]Aw]tUw]kL,y'Aw]hqc];lUm];Tat]:sG]'Am],nn]'Aw]KiUc]:sa};KiUc]:yic];siUw];n}.eShQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],nn].lG]" Results in imminent risk or serious harm to a child's health and welfare due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

- pQn]tI:luk]:Agn],ekL.ASak]:pa},tQm]18KUp]," Of a child (typically under the age of 18)

- AU:Em:Am],nn]ekL.lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]luk]:siUw];mI;tL,wUn],pun]:Pgn];tL,hG]:luk]:Agn],l}:yU,SL,kin] lInn].lG]" By a parent or caregiver who is responsible for the child's welfare

nG];miUc];km]:pL:nm]nn].sk];EPw}.wL:'lgc]:tiUw].mat],yG],lUc]'n}n}.'etl}:pQn]mQw];An]Am],sG]:Kuiuk].Kk].vL;tiUw].pQn]nn].'wL:n}"An]n}.Kw]:pL;w}.'lgc]:sc]:sG]Aan];hQt];pQn]'lgc]:tUc].niuc]hQt];Sac]:mw]mw]mac]mac](miUn]nc],'pn]hG]:ekL.An]l}:hU.w}.wL:pQn]kUn];tUk];Tgc],lgc]:KiUc]:sa};KiUc]:yic];nn].'Am],nn]'ekL.l}:hU.w}.wL:pQn]kUn];hQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].'pg},yU,sgm];luk]:Agn],ekL.lQw]lqw];')"El:Aik],'An]tac];hQt];mw]mac](miUn]nc],'pg}.w}.luk]:Agn]tiuk].ASak]:lQk].nn].yU,hiUn];kUbv];ekL.lQw]')siUw];n}.yw]."eSAm],kL;Kw]:pL;An]'!lgc]:tiUw].mat],yG],lUc]@An]hQt];SG],luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:n}n}.'Am],tap]:lUw],wL:pQn]Et.Et.nn].'epL;wL:pQn]!An]cLhLhQt];eP;@'Am],nn]'!An]sun].eSkuc].kac].tiUw].mat],km];lQw]@nn].n}ekL:'l}:wL:pQn]An]hQt];tum].tiUw].nn].n}yU,yw]."lgc]:n}.Am],sG]:El:wL:pQn]tI:hiUn];lc]niuc]:kUv];'An]ekL.kQp].lQc].'Am],nn]'ekL.sg}:lQc].Kw]mw]mac]hQt];pUn].pqn]nn].ekL:Kw]:pL;yw]." In most states, the harm must have been inflicted by non-accidental means. This includes intentional acts, actions that were careless (such as, allowing a known sexual offender or known abuser to be with a child alone), and acts of negligence (such as, leaving a child under a certain age at home alone). Also, the "harm" inflicted upon a child need not be actual, but may include "threats" or "risks of imminent harm". Not only abuse and neglect of children in a home but also either through adoption or foster care.

SPL,wmn];n}.'An]sac]:Aw]kqt],EKetL,SU:kGL,l}:nn].sm].'Kw]:pL;lgc]:wL:mn];pQn]An]Kiuk].Kk].vL;tiUw].pQn]'pQn]An]En;SG],Pit];'n}nn].El:'pQn]sgm];Sun],l}:Sun],pQn]An]AU:Em:sac]:Sc],Sgn]luk]:lac];l}:nn].'sL.kGL,siUw];n}.nn].yU,yw]." Typical defenses include accident, wrongful accusations, and a parent's right to discipline.

pk];piUc]lgc]:la};can];An]Am],hQt];sgm];tin];Am],l}:'  Mandatory Reporting Laws

miUc];kU:miUc];n}.mI;pk];piUc]lgc]:la};can];An]Am],hQt]sgm];tiun];Am],l}:nn].w}.hc];PG]mn];yw].'n}.pQn]An]hQt];hG]:kUn];mac]siUw];Kw]tk];l}:la};can];Tiuc]AU:Em:luk]:Agn],'Am],nn]'Tiuc]tI:lum];cw]:cun];PU:mI;AL,nL,Kw]nn].'lUv]:la};kp];Siuw],lqt];w};tUw]:miUc];Am],l}:SQc]:kL:mn];Sc]nn]."lgc]:la};can];nc]n}n}.k}.pQn]An]lp].siuw]:w}.pn]eS'hG]:l}:pQn]la};pak]:tac];tL,Kw]:sim]Ek:K}pn]tI:lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc];wgc],luk]:Agn],nn].yw]." Every state has mandatory reporting laws that require certain people to report apparent or suspected child abuse to a central authority, such as via a statewide toll-free hotline. The reports -- which are often anonymous -- are meant to promote early intervention of child abuse.
miUc];tc];nm]Kw]n}.hQt];hG]:!ekL.lG]eSAm],wL:@hG]:la};can];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].n}eSekL:'mac]miUc];n}.Sm].hG]:PU:lUc].lqn],siUw];pQn]emLyLKw]'nt].S]yic];Kw]'kUn];hQt];kan]mU,sum];Puc]kUn];Kw]'PU:mI;sn].nG];hUc];hQn];Kw]'kUn];lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]pn]miUw]:kac]wn];Kw]'El:kUn];mI;pun]:SG],hqc];AL,nL,pk];piBc]Kw]'siUw];n}.hG]:la};can];Tiuc]Am],hQt];sgm];Am],l}}:nn].yw]."nG];miUc];km]:Pgc]:sm].'An]lut]:ham];la};can];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],n}.'etl}:Kam],Aw]wUn].Sgn],wL:pQn]tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:tam],Am]nk];'n}eS'pn]tam],ciun];'tam],Tgc],'Am],nn]pn]tam],tc];Sgc]mQw];nn].l}:yU,yw]." Many states require "any person" to report suspected child abuse, whereas other states require mandatory reporting by certain professional, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, school officials, day care workers, and law enforcement personnel. In some states, failing to report instances of child abuse is considered a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.
hac]:Pac]An]pn]StikQw],kp];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].mI;nc],n}yw].' Examples of warning signs of abuse of a child may include:

hQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],lUv]:tUw]kL,y'-' Am],hU.mQw];mn];eSf};m}:luk]:Agn],nn].lG]'vL;KUp];nn].lG]'sQp];epL;lgk]:epL;lqc]nn].lG]'El:lup],hk];kGL,nn].lG]siUw];n}."  Physical abuse – unexplained burns, bites, bruises, and broken bones

sgm];lUm];Tat]:sG]eSpUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],'-' An]hQt];tac];yam]:hqc].pUn].tI:pUn].lqn]nL,'An]hQt];hG]:tUw]Am],nn]sG]nan];Piun].PU;Kiun]:yG],'An]kYam],Aac]:KL:tUt]ta}'An]AU:Em:Am],nn]ekL.lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]pn]Kw]nn].tQc]hG]:lQk].tqm],eyL:' Emotional abuse – extreme behavior, delayed physical or emotional development, attempted suicide, and belittling by a parent or caregiver

Aw]KiUc]:yic];KiUc]:sa};eSpUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'-' An]p}tac];Am]nn]ekL:nc]:yap],'An]tUk];sG]lG]tiun],Am],nn]ekL:yQw]:SG],PL:'An]kiuc].kac].lqk]:la}:pQn]Am],KG]:kin]KG]:yqm].'An]kiuc].lqk]:la}:Am],ht];etL,nL:piUn]:Am],nn]ekL:Am],Kw]:pL;lgc]:tUc].niuc]Pa},lQn]:hqc];' Sexual abuse – difficulty walking or sitting, reports of nightmares or bedwetting, sudden changes in appetite, sudden refusal to change in front of others or participate in gym activities

mw]mac]'-' k}.lut]:hUc];hQn];nm]nL,Am],tan],'Am],yUt];Am],yLpn]Am],nn]ekL:Am],lum];lL;KQw]:luk]:Agn],pn]'Aa}tUw]luk]:Agn],epL;mQn]Siuc]:Siuc]:'yU,hiUn];kUv];ekL.lQw]' Neglect – frequent absences from school, obvious lack of medical or dental care, severe body odor, stays home alone

etL,SU:kqt],EKhG]:lgt]:An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn], (Child Abuse Defenses)

tL,etL,SU:kqt],EKhG]tUw]sw]:kw],lgt]:An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].mn];Am],ca}:"km]:nm]n}.mqn]:miUw]:An]mI;eKL:Kam],Sak]:eS,luk]:Agn],nn].yw]."miUn]nc],tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:tac]An]siUw];nn].nc],kaw],'ekL.An]l}:Kam],sg}.AmuSG],lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].ekL:'mI;Sun],l}:kqt],EKmiUn]kn]tc];kUn];l}:Kam],tiUc],lgc]:tac];Pit];rL,wUt]:nn].'El:Am]kL:mI;Sun],l}:kqt],EKtUw]sw]:kw],yL,hG]:l}:Kam],sg};AmurL,swUt]:SG],Kw]nn].yU,yw]."

Defending yourself against a child abuse charge can be difficult – especially if it involves the testimony of a child. Like other crimes, a person charged with child abuse has the same rights as defendants of other crimes, including the right to defend themselves against a criminal charge.
pk];piUc]lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk];Agn],n}.yiUc];Aan];w}.tL,wrEh.kac]:pn]luk]:Agn],tc];la}Kw]'mI;An]hqn];tm];w}.pn]lgk];la};JtL;PQc],pQc];nn].eS'tL,etKw]:Ek:EKsg}:pn]siUw];l}:Kam],En;SG],Pit];Am],siuw]:Am],sG]:nn].yU,yw]."tI:tG]:n}.la};etL,SU:kqt],EKAn]k}.pQn]km]:nm]'(mac]siUw];ekL:Am],sG]:An]k}.pQn]km]:nm])'An]ekL.l}:Kam],sg};AmupUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],sac]:Aw]lat]:Ek:ht];ht];kGL,nn].yw].'While child abuse laws aim to protect children, the justice system is set up to vindicate those who are wrongfully accused. Below are some of the most common (and some not so common) defenses that a person may assert on a child abuse charge:

lgc]:En;SG]Pit];wL:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn], False Allegations of Child Abuse

la};etL,SU:kqt],EKlgc]:sg};AmupUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:Sg],nn].n}.sm].'pQn]An]lUw]l}:wL:mG];Am],l}:hQt];Pit];lgc]:nn].Sc]'n}"pqk].wL:mac]pgk]:n}.tL,etEnSak]:eS,km].Tqm]pn]nn].mn];yap],w}.nL,nL,n}ekL:'pa};tiuk];lITiSut];n}.pQn]An]lUw],kqt],EKEh.kac]:lgc]:En;SG],Pit];nn].haw].haw].hqc];hqc];eStiuk];liup]:Kiun];An]En;SG],nn].eSyw].El:'En]Sak]:eS,km].Tqm]pn]tI:An]wL:ekL.sg};JtL;En;SG],n}.pqt].lqn]'Am],nn]ekL:'mn];hQt];Pit];Am],Siuw]:Am],yUw];eSAan];etpqt].lqn]'wL:n}nn].tL." A common defense to child abuse charges is to say you didn't do it. Although sometimes difficult to prove, the best strategy to defend false child abuse charges is to aggressively counter-attack allegations and show proof of the lie or similar wrongful conduct by the accuser.

lgc]:Sun],l}:AU:Em:mI;pun]:tL,Sc],Sgn]luk]:Agn],Kw] Parent's Right to Discipline

AU:Em:Kw]n}.'k}.sac]:liUk]:la};Sc],Sgn]luk]:Agn],Kw]nc],Kw]KG]:hQt];nn].l}:lgt]:lgt]:;lqw];lqw];yU,'epL;wL:kL:sUw]:la};Sc],Sgn]nn].n}.pQn]An]mI;lgc]:kiuc],TiUk]:kum],lIyU,El:Aik],Am],hQt];hG]:tUw]kL,ymat],sQm];Sc]nn].epL;n}Et."kUv];kL:'tI:Sc],Sgn],nn].'Sc]wL:luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:l}:mat],sQp];yG],sQp];nm]liUw]eSmQw];An]nc]emLsac]:sQp];lgk]:lqc]kGL,nn].n}siuc]'AKGac].lIl}:lgt]:tL,AU:Em:Kw]nn].Et.'etAm],sac]:Aw]yip];tiuw];l}:"nn].Parents are generally free to discipline their children in any manner they choose, so long as the discipline is reasonable and causes no bodily injury. However, if a child's injuries are more serious than minor bruising as a result of the discipline, the parental privilege may not apply.

Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing

tam],'El:lgc]:KYL.tam],An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn], (Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing)

Aic]niUw]lgc]:niUc]tac];mn];tc];nm]tc];la}nn].eS'ekL.l}:kam],sg};JtL;En;SG],AmupUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].n}.'l}:TUp];vL;tam],la}la}mQw];'El:sac]:vL;la};KYL.tam],la}la}la};'yw]."lgc];tac];mn];siUw];nn].sm].Kw]:pL;lgc]:wL:Amunn].pQn]tI:miUc];lG]'ASak]:sUw]:KUp],luk]:Agn],mI;la}KUp],'sgc],An]pUn].pqn]nn].kQw],pL;lgc]:pUn].pqn]KiUc]:yic];KiUc]:sa};hiuw]'sgc],tUw]Am],nn]ekL:sG]luk]:Agn]ekL.nn].l}:mat],sQp];shiuw]'sL.siUw];n}.El:Aik],'lgc]:wL:sgc],kUn];hQt];pUn].pqn]nn].mI;piun];yam]:hQt];tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:w}.nc],hiuw]'siUw];n}." A person charged with child abuse faces a wide range of penalties and sentencing possibilities, depending on several factors. These include the state where the abuse took place, the age of the child, whether the offense involved sexual abuse, whether the child was physically or mentally injured, and the criminal history of the offender.

wL:lgc]:KYL.tam],niUw]An]pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],El:AmuAn]hQt];mw]mac]siUw];nn].sm].'Am],k}.hG]:kUn];kU:ekL.Kw]:kQw],pL;sgm];l}:"km]:nm]n}.'nc],An]AmupUn].pqn]piUc];wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],n}.k}.l}:piun]Paw],Agk],pn]kUn];miUc];tc];la}hU.nL,nL,el:'pun]:tL,yL,hG]:kuc],Ser,lunG];Ek:kac]mU,sum];Puc]kUn];nn].hqc];An]nL:hiUn];ey;Kw]hQt];l}:n}.yG],yG],Et.Et.yw]." Sentencing for child abuse and neglect cases is often difficult for everyone involved -- especially since child abuse cases are often highly publicized and the potential for a social stigma on the family is great.

nG];miUc];km]:nm]n}.'Aic]niUw]cw];la};tc];nm]nn].eS'lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUw]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].'eK;etsac]:sg};AmuSG],wL:pQn]rL,swUt]:tam],nk];'Am],nn]'lgc]:pUn].pqn]An]Am],epL;Kiuk].yG],lUc]Sc]'nn].lG]yU,yw]."AmupUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],An]ha}.haw]:kYam];nL,liUw]piUn]:Sut];n}.sm].'sac]:l}:vL;tam],nk];KYL.tam],Tgc],etL,sUw]:'nn].eSyw].'AmuAn]Am],epL;ha}.haw]:kYam];nn].Et.'Aw]wUn].Sgn],wL:pQn]tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:tam],Am],nk];n}eS'eK;etAm],l}:tUk];Tgc],"tam],mn];nn].sac]:etha}.haw]:kYam];liUw]Aic]niUw]Piun]ma}tgc];lgc]:Pit];rL,swUt]:An]ekL.pUn].pqn]hQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'mL;miUw]:Agn]tac];nn].eSEl:'Sc]wL:mn];Am],yam]:mI;Piun]ma}tgc];Agn]tac];w}.Sc]epL;n}siuc]tam],mn];n}.etygm];nm]Et.Et.wL:wL:yw]." In most states, child abuse may be charged as either a felony or a less serious offense depending on the circumstances. The most severe cases of child abuse may carry felony lifetime sentences, while the least serious cases are considered gross misdemeanors with potentially no jail time. Punishment will typically be more severe if the offender has a prior record of criminal child abuse activity and greatly reduced if there is no prior record.

sgm];nc],yiUc];Aan];An]KYL.tam],nn].eSEl:'ekL.l}:Kam],sg};JtL;SG],AmupUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],nn].'sac]:l}:hn]wL:mn];mI;tac];Pit];ApYt]:'Am],mI;tac];Pit];ApYt]:'Am],nn]ekL:'Am],tac],yiun]:ygn];etL,SU:Sc]'lG]siUw];n}.yw]."AmuAn]l}:pQn]mL;tc];nm]lUc]n}.l}:hn]wL:'lgc]:KYL.tam],nn].sac]:Kw]:pL;An]sg}:AL,mKam],pn]nn].lG]'Am],nn]'tUk];Tgc],hL:pInn].lG]yU,yw]."An]KYL.tam],niUw]Amutac],An]siUw];ha}.hqc];liUw]nn].Et.'sac]:Kw]:pL;An]pn]tam],Tgc],pIyaw];nn]." For sentencing purposes, a person charged with child abuse may enter a guilty, not guilty, or no contest plea. In a large number of cases, sentencing will typically include probation or a prison term of up to five years.  Sentencing in other, more serious, cases may include a longer prison term.

tam],tac],mQw];'El:/Am]nn]'wUt]:mn];tc];nm]nn].sac]:Kw]:pL;siUw]:tI:tG]:n}.' Other possible penalties and/or consequences may include:

- lUw],l}:ma}tac],Piun]w}.etL,sUw]:lgc]:wL:mn];pQn]ekL.hQt];KiUc]:yic];KiUc]:sa};Pit];etL,luk]:Agm],' Lifetime requirement to register as a child sexual offender,

- yiut];pqt]:Sun],l}:Sun],pQn]An]AU:Em:Kw]TiUk]:l}:mI;nn].' Termination of parental rights,

- Ser,lunL:m}:' Ruined reputation,

- mI;Piun]ma}tgc];An]hQt];tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:w}.' Criminal record,

kUn];ekL.An]lut]:ham];tL,etla};can];lgc]:pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn],'Am],nn]'lgc]:mw]mac]'nn].ekL:sac]:l}:TUp];vL;tam],El:wUt]:tc];nm]nc],kaw],yw].'tI:nG];mac]miUc];siUw];An]mI;pk];piUc]lgc]:la};can];An]Am],hQt];sgm];tiun];Am],l}:'nn].w}.n}."nG];miUc];siUw];nn].n}.'Sc]wL:ekL.niuc]:n}.mI;lgc]:tac];tQm]TUn]:eSmI;lgc]:cm];cw];nG];sG]wL:'mI;eSekL.ekL.n}.hQt];pUn].pqn]piUc]:wgc],etL,luk]:Agn]ekL.niuc]:yU,n}nn].siuc]'Kw]tk];etl}:la};can];lgc]:nn].lUv]:la};kp];Siup],lqt];w};'Am],nn]ekL:'tiUc],tI:sum];tac]tUw]hQt];kan]Pa},pa};pk];piUc]hUm],cm];'Kw]siUw];n}.yw]."epL;lut]:ham];eSAm],la};can];Tiuc]sgm];km];lG]km];nn].epK;n}siuc]'sac]:etl}:Kam],Aw]wUn].Sgn],wL:pQn]tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:tam],Am],nm];'n}eSsac]:vL;tam],ciun];'tam],Tgc],'Am],nn]ekL:'tam],tc];nc],kn]'yU,yw]." People who fail to report child abuse or neglect also face penalties and consequences in some states with mandatory reporting laws. In those states, if a person has reason to suspect that someone is abusing a child, they must report it through a hotline or law enforcement agency. Failure to report such cases in a timely manner is considered a misdemeanor in most states and may result in fines, jail time, or both.

Aw]luk]:Agn],pYL.pUv]wUv],hac]:' (Child Pornography)

An]Aw]luk]:Agn]pYL.pUv],wUv],hac]:nn].'pk];piUc]fqt].EJt,El:pk];piUc]es:miUc];Kw]hQt];hG]:mn];pQn]tac];Pit];rL,wUt]:'An]hQt];Agk],'Sim];piUc],w}.nG].miuw];'sqk],EPpiun]EP'Am],nn]ekL:'An]pQn]Kgc]pYL.wUv],hac]:mQw];An]kin]sik];tgk],sgk];kn]'Am],nn]'An]tqm]:hac]:pYL.pUv]wUv],hac]:luk]:Agn],ekL.niuc]:nn].yw]."An]EP:tiUn];tiUw];mL;nn].sm].'pk];piUc]lgc]:Aw]luk]:Agn],pYL.pUv]wUv],hac]:siUw];nn].'Agn]kn]Aw]yip];sG].tiuw];tL,pn]tam],lgc]:sG].tiuw];Kgm],piw],tiUw],la};Tqk].enL;elL;kYI;Kiut];kap]:nn].El:Sc]'sG].tiuw];Ain];TiUw]nqt].eShLAw]'EPmqc],kn]'El:sqk],EPKgc]pYL.pUv],wUv],hac]:An]kQw],Kgc].pL;luk]:Agn],Kw]nn].el:tc];'hun],hac]:El:flim]cw];tUc].siUw];nnn].'nn].yw]." Federal and state laws make it a crime to produce, possess, distribute, or sell pornographic materials that exploit or portray a minor. Increasingly, child pornography laws are being utilized to punish use of computer technology and the Internet to obtain, share, and distribute pornographic material involving children, including images and films.

kin]sik];tgk],sgk];kn]'       = Exploitation, exploit, wrong use, taking advantage,

kuc],Ser,lu'         = Stigma, disgrace, blemish, reproach,

ekL.lum];lL;tUv];Tiuc]'           = Caregiver,

kiuc].kac].l}:sun].km];lQw]'          = Imminent risk,

KYL.tam],Tgc],etL,sUw]:'           = Lifetime sentence,

sc]:sG]Aan];hQt];pQn]'           = Intentional act,

Sc],Sgn]'                   = Discipline, rebuke,

tac];nk];tam],'               = Potential penalty,

tac];yam]:An]hqc].pUn].tI:pUn].lqn]nL,'     = Extreme behavior,

tac];hQt];mw]mac]'              = Act of negligence,

etL,SU:'                   = Contest, competition,

etL;SyG],sG]Kgt];'              = Emotional outburst, fit for temper,

tiuk];luip]:Kiun];'        = Counter-attack, an attack to drive back enemy,

tUiw].mat],yG],sQp];lUc]'           = Serious harm,

Tt];Tgc]tUv];km]:Pgc]:'(tac];-/lgc]:-/An]-)     = Overview,

En;SG]Pit];'                 = Wrongful accusation,

pUn].pqn]'           = Offense, A violent or breaking of social or moral rule, transgression,

piun]Paw],Agk],pn]kUn];miUc];tc];la}hU.'   = Publicize,

piun];yam]:hQt];tac];Pit];rL,swUt]:'        = Criminal history,

Piun]ma}tgc];lgc]:hQt];Pit];rL,swUt]:'   = Record of criminal,

mw]mac]' Am],w}.fac].SG],sG]' libm];fac].Sti'   = Neglect,

mw]mac]pg},pqt]:sliUw]:slL:'         = Neglected,

yB,SL,kin]lI'                = Welfare,

lUw],l}:hQt];nc],l}:mI;pk];piUc]w}.'      = Required by law,

lUv]:KiUc]:yic];sa};'              = Sexually,

la};kp];Siup],lqt];w};tUw]:miUc];Am],l}:SQc]:kL:mn];' = Statewide toll-free hotline,

lgm].kqt],w}.pL;'                = Encompass, To include comprehensively ,

hQt];Pit];Am],Siuw]:Am],yUw];'       = Wrongful conduct,

hQt];Am],Sc],etL,'             = Mistreatment,

hUc];Piuk];Sgn]'        = Training School,-An institution for the care of juvenile delinquent,

hUt];ecL;kUw]Eh' Tg}' Tg}lc]'        = Retreat,

AmuAn]hQt];mw]mac]'            = Neglect case,

Am],tap]:lUw],wL:pQn]Et.Et.'      = Need not be actual,

Am],hQt];sgm];tiun];Am],l}:'    = Mandatory, obligatory, requisite, -Authoritatively ordered,

yQw]:SG],PL:'                 = Bedwetting, Urinating in bed,