What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

North Carolina General Statute (NC GS 7B-101) defines what is child abuse and child neglect.
Physical Abuse is defined as any child younger than 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver:

  • Inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child a serious physical injury by other than accidental means
  • Creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to the child by other than accidental means
  • Uses or allows to be used upon the child cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or cruel and grossly inappropriate devices to modify behavior

Sexual Abuse is defined as any child younger than 18 whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver commits, permits, or encourages the commission of a violation of the following laws regarding sexual offenses by, with, or upon the child:

  • First and second degree rape or sexual offense
  • Rape of a child by an adult offender
  • Sexual act by a custodian
  • Crime against nature or incest
  • Preparation of obscene photographs, slides, or motion pictures of the child
  • Employing or permitting the child to assist in a violation of the obscenity laws
  • Dissemination of obscene material to the child
  • Displaying or disseminating material harmful to the child
  • First and second degree sexual exploitation of the child
  • Promoting the prostitution of the child
  • Taking indecent liberties with the child

Emotional Abuse is defined by any child younger than 18 years whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caregivers creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage to the child. Serious emotional damage is evidenced by a child’s severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or aggressive behavior toward himself or others.

Neglect is defined by any child younger than 18:

  • Who does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline from his or her parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver
  • Who is not provided necessary medical or remedial care
  • Who lives in an environment injurious to his or her welfare
  • Who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law