Child Abuse can take many forms and each can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties. Common forms of child abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.Physical AbuseA child is being physically abused when they are:• Hit with a belt or paddle (spanking is generally not against the law)• Pinched hard enough to leave a mark that doesn't go right away• Burned (for example with cigarettes, a lighter, an iron or the stovetop burner)• Bitten hard enough to leave a mark or break the skin• Pushed into walls or knocked to the floor, choked, kicked or punchedSexual AbuseA child is being sexually abused when a person:• Improperly touches the child's private parts• Shows a child improper nude pictures• Takes pictures of the child without his or h