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 California, child abuse laws are designed to protect children from harm and are found within the state's Welfare and Institutions Code as well as the Penal Code. Child abuse is broadly defined to include physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means, sexual abuse, neglect, willful harming or injuring of a child, and emotional abuse. California law mandates that certain professionals, such as teachers, medical professionals, and social workers, are required to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities, typically to Child Protective Services or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in penalties. When abuse is reported, investigations are conducted, and if necessary, legal action may be taken to protect the child, which can include removal from the home, criminal charges against the abuser, and dependency court proceedings. The state takes allegations of child abuse seriously, and the legal consequences for those found guilty of child abuse can be severe, including imprisonment, fines, and loss of custody or parental rights.