Missionaries of the Sacred

Indentify it. Prevent it. Stop it.

The abuse, neglect and exploitation of people are all contrary to the dignity of the human person and all devalue the precious gift of life. Maltreatment of children especially deserves our attention because babies, toddlers, young children and adolescents are not in a position to stop the abuse or neglect themselves. They may not even recognize that they are being mistreated, or be able to articulate what is happening to them, much less know their rights and area resources. In order to create a culture of life, we must recognize the incidence of child maltreatment and take action to both prevent it from happening and stop it where it is occurring.

Have questions or need help? Call 1.800.4.A.CHILD.

What is Child Maltreatment?

Under Federal Law, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), child abuse and neglect means:

• Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker that results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation;
• An act or failure to act that presents an imminent risk of serious harm.