Child maltreatment occurs when a child (under 18 years of age) is abused or neglected. This can take many different forms, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; negligence and exploitation.
Many children in the United States are victims of maltreatment. Moreover, it appears that living in a context of violence can promote child maltreatment in various ways. For example, children who suffer from maltreatment are more likely to engage in the same behaviours when they become parents. Moreover, families that live in dangerous areas, who engage in illegal activities, who practice violence towards others, or who are victims of violence themselves are all more likely to practice child maltreatment.
