Overview
Pediatrics and Child Health Child Abuse is a public health issue that affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year. It is the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a child by a caregiver or other person in a position of power or authority over the child. Child abuse can have lifelong negative physical, mental, and emotional impacts on a child’s development, as well as an increased risk of physical and psychological health problems and social disadvantages. Effective prevention and intervention efforts are necessary to protect and promote the health and safety of children. Research-informed approaches to preventing, identifying, and responding to child abuse can help build resilient communities and promote the health and well-being of children and families.