Child abuse is generally the mistreatment of a child by a parent or caregiver—through actions or inactions—that causes injury, death, or emotional harm to the child—or that places the child at serious risk of such injury, death, or emotional harm. Mistreatment that constitutes child abuse may take many forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, failure to supervise, and exploitation. Child abuse laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s family code and criminal or penal code.

In Alaska, child abuse is addressed under both civil and criminal statutes, designed to protect children from harm and to hold perpetrators accountable. The Alaska Statutes Title 47, Chapter 17, known as the 'Children in Need of Aid' statutes, define child abuse and neglect, and outline the procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of child abuse. This includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, failure to supervise, and exploitation. Under Alaska Statute 11.51.100, it is a crime to harm a child through actions or inactions that cause injury, death, or emotional harm. Alaska law mandates that certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare providers, must report suspected child abuse to the authorities. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. The state operates a 24-hour hotline for reporting suspected child abuse. When abuse is substantiated, the state can intervene to provide services or to remove the child from the harmful environment, and perpetrators can face criminal charges, which may result in imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record.