CHILD ABUSE 

An allegation and subsequent arrest for child abuse is something no parent or adult wants to go through. This is the type of arrest, not even considering a possible conviction, that can tear families apart and ruin lives. Nothing is more horrifying to other parents, children and community members than the implication of a child abuse in their midst. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to get a experienced criminal defense lawyer to clear your good name in the event of a child abuse arrest.

Non-Accidental Injury

 Is spanking my child considered child abuse? What exactly is child abuse? These are the questions that parents and caregivers are asking themselves. Unfortunately, there can be a lot of gray area where it comes to child abuse. Some spanking or parental discipline behaviors could be considered child abuse, while most are probably not. There may be a lot of discretion in these cases, because not all of the circumstances are going to be the same, and the stakes are high. Your lawyer’s job needs to be keeping you at home, with your family and with your name cleared of all charges. Few types of allegations can be as damaging to people and their families as child abuse.

Different Types of Child Abuse

There are many different types of child abuse, and there is a very broad spectrum of criminal behaviors involving minors. From neglect or failure-to-act situations to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

Types of Child Abuse

• Neglect or Failure to Act
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse

Neglect or Failure to Act

Neglect typically happens in cases where children are left to fend for themselves. Perhaps, they were injured or were suffering from malnutrition. Additionally, it may also be considered abusive if parents don’t take their children for certain types of medical attention. This is a topic we see come up with families who have strong religious convictions.

Physical Abuse

Allegations of physical abuse are quite common when children go into preschool, daycare or school. A teacher might have a duty to report suspicious bruising, cuts or other injuries. In most cases, there is thankfully, a good reason. There are any number of reasons why children show up to school with injuries that are totally unrelated to abuse in the home. After all, they’re kids. They ride bicycles, jump off the walls and play roughly with their friends. Different types of physical child abuse include kicking, hitting, burning, striking, throwing, shaking or any other type of bodily harm.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is generally considered one of the most egregious types of abuse involving children. Different forms of sexual abuse include any type of lewd sexual behavior, forced viewing of sexual acts, sexual videos or images, exhibitionism or any other type of sexual contact that occurs between a child and an adult.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can also be an area that is difficult for the legal system to measure. A few examples of emotional abuse include vulgar language, yelling at the child, calling the child names, degrading or belittling the child or any other type of emotionally scarring behavior between an adult and a child.

What About Spanking and Parental Discipline?