To misuse, attack, or injure. The most common form of abuse is child abuse.
To frequently use improperly or to misuse, child abuse; drug abuse.
Sexual acts that are negatively sanctioned by society.
improper or excessive use of program benefits, resources or services by either providers or consumers. Abuse can occur, intentionally or unintentionally, when services are used which are excessive or unnecessary; which are not the appropriate treatment for the patient’s condition; when cheaper treatment would be as effective; or when billing or charging does not conform to requirements. It should be distinguished from fraud, in which deliberate deceit is used by providers or consumers to obtain payment for services which were not actually delivered or received, or to claim program eligibility. Abuse is not necessarily either intentional or illegal.
The act of using something wrongly.
The illegal use of a drug or overuse of alcohol and bad treatment of a person.
Relating to young people, one type of child abuse and neglect.
The physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a child. National studies show that one in 20 American children are physically abused each year. The physical and psychological effects of abuse can be extensive and severe. Abuse can impair brain development and intellect, delay development of skills such as walking and speaking, and cause physical disabilities and other long-term health problems. The psychological damages of abuse continue beyond the actual episodes of mistreatment. Some abused children develop posttraumatic stress disorder, leading to symptoms such as night-mares and irritability.
Coercing another person by means of physical force, tricks, bribes, or threats into a sexual activity that gratifies the abuser. Sexual abuse can occur between adults and children or adolescents; between adolescents or older children and young children; and between adults, both heterosexual and homosexual. Sexual abuse between adults or between children or adolescents of different ages is commonly referred to as rape or sexual assault, which includes forced or coerced vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse or penetration with an object. Under the laws of some states, it may also include fondling or erotic touching without the consent of the person being touched. Sexual abuse of children includes not only intercourse or penetration, but also fondling, looking at, or photographing a child’s nude body; display of the adult’s genitals to the child; and sexual activity in front of a child, including self-stimulation by an adult or intercourse between two individuals.
Emotional, physical, or sexual injury or financial exploitation, of a person over 65 years of age. It includes violence, financial exploitation, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, and neglect (e.g., failure to provide adequate clothing, food, medical care, or shelter). Elders may be exploited by individuals and organizations.
Fondling, rape, sexual assault, or sexual molestation. The abuser may be a male or female, adult or child. The victim may be of the same sex or the opposite sex as the abuser.
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment of one’s spouse.
A criminal offense in which an adult uses a child or adolescent for sexual purposes.