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 Minnesota, child abuse is defined and regulated under both civil statutes (pertaining to child protection) and criminal law. According to Minnesota Statutes, Section 626.556, child abuse includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental injury, neglect (including prenatal exposure to controlled substances), and threatened injury to a child. The law requires certain professionals and caregivers to report suspected abuse to the local welfare agency, police, or the county sheriff. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is involved in the investigation and intervention in cases of reported child abuse. Criminal charges for perpetrators of child abuse can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the abuse, and are detailed in the Minnesota criminal code. The state takes child abuse seriously, and the legal system is designed to protect children's welfare and safety.