Child abuse affects all cultures, races, income and education levels, and occurs in every neighborhood and city.
Child abuse, neglect, and other adversities in early life, can have a long-term impact—which can lead to toxic stress that harms a person’s brain and body.
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect?
Child abuse and neglect are any act or failure to act that endangers a child’s physical or emotional health and development.
Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect
Children react differently to abuse. However, certain behavioral and physical signs can indicate a need for help.
How Toxic Stress Impacts a Child
Toxic stress can occur when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, or chronic neglect—and it can harm their brains and bodies.
The Economics of Abuse
Child abuse and neglect has a cost to every child, family, and community in California—and to society at large.