Child Abuse

Child abuse occurs when a child is physically, psychologically, or sexually mistreated by an adult. The CDC has defined child abuse, or maltreatment, as “any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.”

When child abuse occurs, it most frequently occurs in a child’s home. There are also less frequent occurrences in an organization, school, or community where a child is active. There are four broad categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

The different states have come up with their own standards for determining child abuse when the charge is for criminal charges or removing a child from a family. The Mental Health Journal has stated that child abuse is “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”

Child abuse, or allegations of it, can be a major part of a child custody battle. If a parent has been known to abuse his or her child, there is a very good chance the courts will strip that parents of custody and award it to the other parent. Abuse allegations must be verified by psychological and physical examinations of a child.

Contact a San Jose Child Custody Lawyer

If you are battling a former spouse for custody of your children, contact the San Jose child custody lawyers of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen at 408-296-4100.