Child abuse is defined by law as any harm or neglect by a caregiver that endangers a child’s physical or emotional health or development. It can take several forms, including physical, verbal, sexual, or via neglect.

Child abuse laws in Australia are strict, and any abuse or suspected abuse is required to be reported to the relevant authorities. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges. If you are facing criminal charges for child abuse, you will need excellent legal representation, so contact Vanessa Ash.

According to the Department of Human Services (DHS), child abuse (to someone under 18 years of age) is: 

     Physical abuse
When a child suffers, or is likely to suffer, significant harm from an injury inflicted by a caregiver or parent, deliberately or inadvertently, via aggressive treatment or punishment. Serious injury to a child, possibly with resultant bruises, cuts, welts, fractures, or burns.

     Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse of a child occurs when someone with power or authority over a child involves the child in sexual activity, and a parent or caregiver has not protected the child. Physical force may be involved, and this definition covers a wide range of sexual activity such as fondling genitals, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, finger, or another object, or exposure to pornographic images.

     Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when a caregiver or parent repeatedly rejects a child, or uses threats to frighten them. This can include name-calling, put downs, or coldness from a parent or caregiver, to the point where it damages the child’s physical, social, intellectual or emotional development.

     Neglect
Failing to provide a child with basic necessities for life such as food, clothing, shelter, medical attention or supervision, to the detriment of the child’s health and development (or the likelihood of) is considered neglect.

     Using physical force with children in Australia – the law
It is not illegal to smack children, but using more force than is necessary is illegal. It is illegal to, with extreme force, hit, punch, slap, kick, shake, bite, strangle, throw or burn a child, or hit the head or neck of a child in a harmful way.

It is illegal to constantly criticise, use controlling behaviour, tease, ignore, yell at, reject, or expose a child to violence between parents or other household members or drug use.

Write your own story. Call Vanessa Ash and Associates today.