DefinitionChild neglect (also called psychological abuse) is a form of child abuse that occurs when someone intentionally does not provide a child with food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care, or other necessities.Other forms of child neglect include:Allowing the child to witness violence or severe abuse between parents or adultsIgnoring, insulting, or threatening the child with violenceNot providing the child with a safe environment and adult emotional supportShowing reckless disregard for the child's well beingSee also:Child abuse - physicalChild abuse - sexualCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.Risk factors may include:Mental illnessPovertyStresses in the familySubstance abuse by parents or ca