Battered Child
A child is a battered child when someone has abusively injured her. A battered child is most likely the victim of child abuse, which is defined in different ways by the legal, medical and social services communities. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and neglect as: “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” In every state, doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, social workers, teachers, day care workers and law enforcement personnel are required to report Child Abuse.