Human Services Agency

What is Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect Defined

In Nevada, child abuse or neglect includes physical and/or mental non-accidental injury; sexual abuse or exploitation; or negligent treatment/maltreatment of a child under age 18 caused or allowed by a person responsible for the child’s welfare (NRS 432B.020).

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Types of Abuse and Neglect

Physical Abuse – Non-accidental injuries such as:

• Sprains or dislocations

• Broken bones or skull fractures

• Internal organ injuries

• Burns, scalds, cuts, lacerations, punctures, bites, or bruising

• Permanent or temporary disfigurement

• Impairment or loss of a body organ or function

Emotional Abuse (“Mental Injury”) – Injury to a child’s intellectual, emotional, or psychological capacity that results in observable and substantial impairment of the child’s behavior.

Sexual Abuse – When sexual acts are forced upon a child.

Sexual Exploitation – Forcing, allowing, or encouraging a child to engage in:

• Prostitution

• Pornography

• Sexual activity such as posing for live sex shows

Statutory Sexual Seduction – Occurs when someone under age 16 engages in consensual sexual penetration with someone over age 18.

Neglect – Includes:

• Abandonment

• Lack of supervision

• Failure to provide food, shelter, education, medical care, or other necessities for a child’s well-being

• Leaving young children unsupervised or locked in/out of the home

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Who Should Report?

Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect may be occurring—or has occurred—should report it to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement.

• Reasonable cause means facts, circumstances, or conditions that would lead a reasonable person to believe abuse or neglect is taking place.

• Reports should be made as soon as reasonably possible.

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Mandated Reporters

Under NRS 432B.220, certain professionals are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Required Reporters Include:

• Medical professionals (physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatric physicians, physician’s assistants, medical examiners, psychiatrists, psychologists, etc.)

• Emergency medical personnel

• Marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, alcohol/drug counselors, music therapists

• Staff of licensed medical facilities

• Coroners and clergy

• Teachers, school staff, child care providers (public and private)

• Foster care providers

• Law enforcement officers, probation officers, and some attorneys (under certain circumstances)

• Volunteers with agencies that advise on child abuse or neglect

• Any professional providing medical services to newborns affected by prenatal drug exposure or withdrawal

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Penalties for Failure to Report

A mandated reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect is:

• Guilty of a misdemeanor for the first violation

• Guilty of a gross misdemeanor for each subsequent violation

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What to Do if You Suspect Child Abuse or Neglect

How to Make a Report

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