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abuse legal definition

verb

To mistreat or neglect a person, particularly as to one for whom the actor has special responsibility by virtue of a relationship, e.g., spouse, child, elderly parent, or one for whom the actor has undertaken a duty of care, e.g., nurse-patient;

verb

to use an object in an illegal or unreasonable manner.

noun

The mental or physical mistreatment of a person, frequently resulting in serious emotional, mental, physical, and/or sexual injury.

child abuse

The intentional or neglectful abuse, which includes sexual mistreatment, inflicted on a child.
A parent or caregiverÂ’s intentional or neglectful act or failure to act that results in a childÂ’s abuse, exploitation, or death.
An act or failure to act that results in a possibility of immediate and serious harm to a child. See also battered person syndrome and child neglect.

elder abuse

The abuse of an elderly person by his or her child or caregiver, that may include battery, verbal abuse, isolation, and the denial or deprivation of food.

sexual abuse

An illegal sexual act.
Unlawful sexual activity or contact with a person without her consent. The activity or contact is usually imposed by the use of force or threats of violence. The application of the term varies, but it is usually applied to activities or contact that do not amount to rape, but sometimes the term includes rape. Also called carnal abuse and sex abuse.