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 Delaware, child abuse is defined and regulated under both the family code and the criminal code. The law recognizes various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Delaware law mandates that certain professionals, such as teachers, medical professionals, and law enforcement officers, must report suspected child abuse to the authorities. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. When abuse is reported, the Division of Family Services (DFS) within the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families is typically involved in the investigation and intervention process. The state takes allegations of child abuse seriously, and those found guilty of abusing a child can face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and loss of parental rights. The specifics of the law and the penalties for violating it can be found in the Delaware Code, Title 16, Chapter 9 and Title 10, Chapter 9.