Child Abuse: An Overview
> State Child Abuse Laws
In every state, the following people are required by law to report suspected abuse: Doctors; nurses; dentists; mental health professionals; social workers; teachers; day care workers; law enforcement personnel. In some states, clergy, foster parents, attorneys, and camp counselors also are required to report abuse. In about 18 states, any person who suspects abuse is required to report it.
6,15,20,24
For a detailed analysis of the state-by-state variations in the legal definition of child abuse, read
Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements: Reporting Laws Number 1: Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect, from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect web site.
For a detailed analysis of the state-by-state variations in mandatory reporting laws, read
Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Elements: Reporting Laws Number 2: Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect, from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect web site.
Child Abuse: Just One StoryChild Abuse Introduction |
Signs of Child AbuseChild Abuse Statistics |
It's Under ReportedEffects of Child Abuse on Children: Abuse GeneralEffects of Child Abuse on Children: Child Sexual AbuseInjuries to Children: Physical and Sexual AbuseEffects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood AbuseEffects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual AbuseDefinition of Physical Abuse |
Signs of Physical AbuseDefinition of Sexual Abuse |
Signs of Sexual AbuseDefinition of Child Neglect |
Signs of Child NeglectDefinition of Emotional Abuse |
Signs of Emotional AbuseAbusers |
PedophilesChild Physical Abuse and Corporal PunishmentTreatment for Child AbuseCosts to SocietyConclusionsReferencesState Child Abuse LawsNationwide Crisis Line and Hotline DirectoryNational Non-Governmental Organizations and LinksU.S. Government Organizations and Links