Child abuse can be defined as:

The definition of child abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors inflicted upon a child, which includes but is not limited to non-accidental injury, sexual battery, and psychological harm. This broad definition recognizes that child abuse is not limited to just physical harm but can also manifest in various forms of maltreatment that impact a child's emotional and psychological well-being.

Non-accidental injuries highlight that abuse involves purposeful harm, distinguishing it from accidental injuries that could occur from normal play or accidents. Sexual battery refers to any sexual act or exploitation that can cause serious harm or distress to a child, underscoring the serious nature of such abuse. Psychological harm can arise from various forms of emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, which can have profound long-term effects on a child’s mental health and development.

The other choices either narrow down the definition too much or misrepresent the comprehensive nature of child abuse. For instance, viewing child abuse as only acts of punishment overlooks the various abusive behaviors that can occur beyond discipline. Limiting it to only physical harm excludes critical aspects of emotional and psychological abuse. Acts of negligence, while a form of maltreatment, do not encompass the intentional aspects of abuse that the correct definition captures. Thus, the comprehensive nature of