child abuse

American  

noun

1. mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, beating, and sexual molestation.

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child abuse British  

noun

1. physical, sexual, or emotional ill-treatment or neglect of a child, esp by those responsible for its welfare See also nonaccidental injury

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Etymology

Origin of child abuse

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The process was thrown into chaos when the leading candidate ministers hoped to appoint, former Northern Ireland police officer and child abuse expert Jim Gamble, said he was not interested in the job.

From BBC

Now she is campaigning for a change in the law around sentencing guidelines for historical child abuse cases.

From BBC

Sarah's Law allows parents to ask police if someone with access to their son or daughter has been convicted or suspected of child abuse.

From BBC

David was the first victim identification officer to work with Police Scotland's national child abuse investigation unit.

From BBC

The change, however, doesn't compel the disclosure of all information relating to child abuse, only its disclosure in specific cases when formally requested by a legitimate authority.

From BBC