Legal Definitions - cruel and abusive treatment

CRUEL AND ABUSIVE TREATMENT is when someone is treated in a way that causes physical, mental, emotional, or sexual harm. It is a departure from legal or reasonable use and is considered a form of abuse.

• Child abuse: Intentional or neglectful harm inflicted on a child, including sexual molestation, physical or emotional injury, or death. This can be caused by a parent or caregiver's actions or failure to act.
• Elder abuse: Abuse of a senior citizen by a caregiver, including deprivation of food or medication, beatings, oral assaults, and isolation.
• Domestic abuse: Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse inflicted by one spouse on the other spouse, including wife-beating.

These examples illustrate how CRUEL AND ABUSIVE TREATMENT can take many forms and can happen to people of all ages. It is important to recognize and report any signs of abuse to protect those who may be vulnerable.