Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers of Austin

Child Abuse

Harming an innocent child, either physically or psychologically, is a very serious crime that always results in punishment for the perpetrator, no matter how severe the abusive acts have been. Child abuse, as defined by federal law, is known as any act or failure to act on the part of the child’s current caretaker, resulting either in injury or death, or that puts the child at immediate risk.

Forms of Child Abuse

According to reported statistics, an act of child abuse in the United States occurs once every ten seconds. Every day, four children on average pass away as a result of injuries sustained from child abuse. Over 900,000 children annually are victims of child abuse. Clearly, this crime is currently at large in the United States.

Violations of the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act involve any act against a child that results in physical or psychological harm. Commonly, this includes the following:

• Sexual Abuse: May be physical, such as a sexual act performed between another individual and a child, or that the child is forced to perform alone. It can also be non-physical, such as forcing the child to view pornographic material.
• Physical Abuse: Touching the child in a manner that physically harms him or her.
• Emotional Abuse: Directing words or actions toward a child in a threatening or degrading manner, such as calling him or her names or denying affection.
• Neglect: Failing to provide the child with food, water, shelter, care, or attention.

Obviously, there are many different types of child abuse, all of which can be permanently damaging to the youngster.

Contact Us

If you have been accused of abusing a child, the Austin criminal defense lawyer Ian Inglis can help you. Please contact his law office at 800-589-1808 to set up an appointment today.