What Is Child Abuse Or Neglect?

The phrase “child abuse or neglect” can mean: (1) physical abuse (the infliction of physical injury by other than accidental means); (2) sexual abuse; (3) neglect (either general or severe); (4) willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment; and, (5) unlawful corporal punishment or injury. “Unlawful corporal punishment or injury” is any person willfully inflicting upon a child any cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury resulting in a traumatic condition.

“Severe physical abuse” means any of the following: any single act of abuse which causes physical trauma of sufficient severity that, if left untreated, would cause permanent physical disfigurement, permanent physical disability, or death; any single act of sexual abuse which causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, or significant external or internal swelling; or more than one act of physical abuse, each of which causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness; or the willful, prolonged failure to provide adequate food. Welfare and Institution Code Section 300(e).