Title: Definitions of abuse and neglect | Mass.gov
Headings: Definitions of abuse and neglect
Definitions of abuse and neglect
Table of Contents
Abuse
Caregiver definition
Physical injury definition
Emotional injury definition
Sexual abuse definition
Sexually exploited child definition
Human trafficking victim definition
Neglect
Substance exposed newborn (SEN)
Shaken baby syndrome
Contact
Report Child Abuse

Content: Definitions of abuse and neglect | Mass.gov
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Definitions of abuse and neglect
Learn about the definitions of abuse and neglect that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) uses. Skip table of contents
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Abuse
Neglect
Substance exposed newborn (SEN)
Shaken baby syndrome
Contact
Related
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Abuse
This definition is not dependent upon location. Abuse can occur while the child is in an out-of-home or an in-home setting. The non-accidental commission of any act by a caregiver which causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury or sexual abuse of a child; or
The victimization of a child through sexual exploitation or human trafficking, regardless if the person responsible is a caregiver. Caregiver definition
A child’s parent, stepparent, guardian, or any household member entrusted with the responsibility for a child’s health or welfare
Any other person entrusted with responsibility for a child’s welfare, whether in the child’s home, a relative’s home, a school setting, a child care setting (including babysitting), a foster home, a group care facility, or any other comparable setting. As such “caregiver” includes, but is not limited to: School teachers
Babysitters
School bus drivers
Camp counselors
The “caregiver” definition should be construed broadly and inclusively to encompass any person who at the time in question is entrusted with a degree of responsibility for the child. This specifically includes a caregiver who is him/herself a child such as a babysitter under age 18. Physical injury definition
Death, fracture of a bone, subdural hematoma, burns, impairment of any organ, soft tissue swelling, skin bruising and any other such nontrivial injury depending upon such factors as the child’s age, circumstances under which the injury occurred, and the number and location of bruises.