ORANGE COUNTY CHILD ABUSE LAWYER

Child abuse violates criminal- and civil laws. In this respect, a personal injury case based on child abuse differs from a car accident and other cases based on non-criminal negligence. Child abuse and neglect are intentional acts. To prove them in court, prosecutors and personal injury lawyers must have evidence of intent.

For example, no proof of intent is necessary for a car accident claim. Most of the time, a driver makes a common misjudgment, and an accident occurs. No intent to cause harm existed. The harm resulted from a mistake.

Child abusers intend to harm the victim physically, emotionally, or through sexual exploitation. Neglect in this context is also an intentional act. The abuser intentionally hurts the child by withholding essentials. 

For example, child neglect includes:

• Starving a child.
• Leaving it to suffer without needed medical care.
• Refusing to provide age-appropriate supervision.

These are choices made with malicious intent, not lapses in judgment, legitimate punishments, or mistakes.

California law broadly defines child abuse and neglect as any cruelty inflicted on a child, including mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault or exploitation, and neglect. Criminal charges for physical abuse often include assault, battery, and sex crimes against a minor. These crimes can also cause a civil suit against the perpetrator or responsible organization for physical harm, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages.

What Are Some Signs of Child Abuse

Abused and neglected children find it difficult to reach out for help. They may not understand that they are suffering mistreatment, think adults won’t believe them, and fear retaliation from the abuser. As a result, many cases go unreported.

Without witnessing the abuse, it can be difficult for responsible adults to know that a child is suffering from abuse and neglect. However, specific behavioral patterns and changes in a child’s behavior may be signs of abuse, wounds, and injuries.

According to the Mayo Clinic, child abuse victims often display behavioral and emotional symptoms that include the following:

• Social withdrawal
• Aggression, anger, hostility, or hyperactivity
• A decline in academic performance
• Depression and anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Sleep difficulties
• Frequent school absences
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Self-harm
• Suicidal ideation or attempts

Physical Abuse Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Unexplained injuries, including bruises, broken bones (fractures), or burns
• Suspicious explanations of how injuries occurred 
• Injuries the child could not have sustained on their own 

Sexual Abuse Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Age inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge
• Pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Genital or anal pain
• Inappropriate sexual behavior with other children

Neglect Signs and Symptoms May Include:

• Poor growth
• Poor personal hygiene
• Lack of clothing or supplies
• Hoarding or stealing food
• Poor school attendance
• Lack of appropriate medical or dental care