The crime of child abuse occurs when an adult in charge of a child's welfare mistreats the child, causing physical injury or emotional harm. Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to attend to a child's basic needs or to protect the child from situations where he or she is at risk. According to child welfare experts, forms of child abuse and neglect include using violence to punish a child, patterns of verbal attack, sexual acts involving a child, exploitation, and abandonment. Very young children (age three and under) and children with special needs face higher risk of being abused. Having young, inexperienced parents or parents lacking financial resources, educational skills, or emotional stability increases the risk that a... (Opposing Viewpoints)