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Child maltreatment

Child maltreatment, sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. Within this broad definition, five subtypes can be distinguished – physical abuse; sexual abuse; neglect and negligent treatment; emotional abuse; and exploitation.

RELATED SITES

- Prevention of child maltreatment

PUBLICATIONS

- Preventing child maltreatment: a guide to taking action and generating evidence [pdf 868kB]
- Guidelines for medico-legal care for victims of sexual violence

RELATED LINKS

- Child rights and adolescent rights
- The Committee on the Rights of the Child hosts discussion on violence against children

FEATURES

- Q&A: How can violence against children be prevented?


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