How is child abuse classified when it involves inflicting non-accidental harm?

Child abuse that involves inflicting non-accidental harm is classified as physical abuse. This type of abuse specifically refers to situations where an adult intentionally causes physical harm to a child, resulting in injuries such as bruises, broken bones, or other bodily harm. This classification emphasizes the deliberate nature of the harm inflicted, distinguishing it from other types of abuse.

While sexual abuse involves exploitation or harm of a sexual nature, emotional abuse pertains to psychological harm through verbal or emotional mistreatment, and neglect focuses on the failure to provide necessary care and support for a child's basic needs, none of these definitions encompass the direct physical injuries that characterize physical abuse. Therefore, recognizing the nature of physical abuse is crucial in identifying and addressing such cases effectively.