The abuse of a child, or the allowance of it for that matter, is not only unlawful, but it draws extreme reactions from the public and media, which can be an absolute hindrance on fair judgment. Aggressive public opinions sometimes interfere with unbiased results, lessening the alleged abuser’s chance of receiving a fair shot. M.K. Bailey child abuse lawyers have fought on behalf of those accused to purge public influence from cases.
Physical Abuse
A person is a victim of physical abuse when he/she endures bodily injury as a result of someone else’s physical aggression, whether it was intended or not. Injuries in abused children commonly result from, but not limited to, beating, slapping, shaking, pinching, burning, and chocking. Physical abuse differs from punishment in that a physical reprimand is carried out with the intent of inflicting pain, not injury, for the purposes of correction or control.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual act between a child and an adult, including intercourse, rape, oral sex, and sodomy is considered sexual abuse. Regardless of the minors’ reaction to the act, adult participation is illegal. Many believe sexual abuse is restricted to penetration, however any fondling, touching or kissing of the genitals of the child or adult are criminal acts.
Instances that do not involve touching, such as forcing a child to undress, spying on them, or exposing them sexually are equally unlawful, but often net similar punitive actions to more extreme accusations.
As your child abuse attorney, we see the big picture. Where other law firms may combat momentary punishments (fines and prison sentences) on your behalf, we aim to protect your future from Oklahoma’s lifelong sex offender registry, while defending your immediate rights.
Neglect
The only abuse by omission or the act of not doing something is neglect. More children live with it than the combined number of those who are physically and sexually abused. Because the offense is inadvertent by nature, it is difficult to prove that one single act of blunder is indeed abusive. Neglect is generally a pattern of failure in providing for a child’s basic needs: clothing suitable to the weather, proper nutrition, sanitary conditions, and proper supervision.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse is an attitude or behavior that interferes with a child’s mental and emotional health. Psychological mistreatments often accompany other forms of abuse, but can stand as its own criminal offense in extreme cases. Whether a child routinely hears verbal insults from a parent or endures maltreatment from a teacher or clergy, charges related to emotional abuse can be filed.
When no other offense exists, emotional abuse situations are murky territory, where significant evidence needs to be proven. As your child abuse defense attorney, we thoroughly sort through those hazing factors to dislodge perception from fact.
