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 Arkansas, child abuse is defined and governed by both the Arkansas Family Code and the Arkansas Criminal Code. The law recognizes various forms of mistreatment as child abuse, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exploitation. Neglect refers to the failure of a parent or caregiver to provide for the child's basic needs, while physical abuse involves inflicting physical injury upon a child. Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity with a child, and emotional abuse refers to conduct that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. Arkansas law also addresses the failure to supervise, which can lead to a child being placed in a dangerous situation. The state has mandatory reporting laws requiring certain professionals and individuals to report suspected child abuse to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline. Penalties for child abuse in Arkansas can range from fines and counseling to significant prison time, depending on the severity of the abuse and the harm caused to the child.