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What is child abuse?
There are three commonly recognized categories of child abuse: physical, sexual, and emotional.
- Physical abuse is when a parent or a caregiver causes physical injury to a child. Examples include: punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking or burning.
- Sexual Abuse includes activities such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials (videos, photos).
- Emotional Abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms of abuse are identified.
- Domestic Violence: Although DV is not a form of child abuse, children are very often emotionally affected or injured in the process. If you are a victim of domestic violence and would like help click: http://www.nyscadv.org
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