What is the legal definition of child abuse?

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Boston Police are seeking child abuse victims of Dr. W. Ayres victimized between 1959 and 1963.
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In California, Tiffany Lopez faces child abuse charges in connection with the death of her two-year-old daughter, Kamilah Russell.
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In Utah, Kami Kay Tollefson faced three charges of second-degree felony child abuse.

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Child Abuse

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Child Safety News

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Senator Linda Newell - SB10-171 - Senate Health and Human Services
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Texas reports a 31% increase in child abuse and neglect deaths.
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In Ohio, child welfare organizations increase child abuse education.
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The NFL and Roger Goodell now admit there may be a correlation between multiple concussions and permanent brain damage.
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The book entitled No one would believe it: Experiences of a child abuse investigator written by Evelyn Kelly Norman is available.
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In Wisconsin, The Child Welfare Disclosure Act requires some information be made public in child abuse cases.
Posted on 10/21/2009 More

Qualified pediatricians will take the first child abuse board examination on November 16, 2009.
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Operation Twisted Traveler nets three more American men in a child sex abuse operation in Cambodia. The men are charged with sexual exploitation of Cambodian children.
Posted on 9/24/2009 More

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Q: What is the legal definition of child abuse?

Here is one example of a legal definition of child abuse (from the State of California):

Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 442 KB) publication.

Physical Abuse
Citation: Penal Code §§ 11165.6; 11165.3

Child abuse or neglect includes:

Physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means upon a child by another person

Willful harming or injury of the child or the endangering of the person or health of the child

Unlawful corporal punishment or injury

Willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child means a situation in which any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation in which his or her person or health is endangered.