Definition of Child neglect and psychological abuse:

Child 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 adults
• Ignoring, insulting, or threatening the child with violence
• Not providing the child with a safe environment and adult emotional support
• Showing reckless disregard for the child's well being

See also:

• Child abuse - physical
• Child abuse - sexual

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The rate at which children are physically and emotionally neglected is difficult to define.

Risk factors may include:

• Mental illness
• Poverty
• Stresses in the family
• Substance abuse by parents or caregivers

Abused children are at risk of becoming abusers themselves as adults.