Type Of Child Abuse.

There are four main types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

1. Physical abuse -- Physical abuse is defined as any act which results in nonaccidental trauma or physical injury. Physical abuse generally occurs when a parent loses control and physically harms their child. This type of abuse can include beating, kicking, punching, biting, burning or shaking a child.

2. Sexual abuse -- Sexual abuse is defined as any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. As sexual abuse often escalates over time, early abuse can include nontouching offenses, such as exposing a child to pornographic material. As the abuse escalates, it may progress to include fondling, and ultimately, penetration.

3. Emotional abuse -- Emotional abuse is defined as the systematic destruction of a child's self esteem. Emotional abuse is the most prevalent form of abuse, yet is the least understood. It can be the cruelest and most destructive of all the different forms of abuse.

4. Neglect -- Child neglect is the most common form of abuse reported to child service agencies. It is defined as the failure of the parent to provide the child with necessary care such as shelter, food, clothing, education, supervision, medical care or other necessities.