Child Abuse Lawyer Little Rock, AR

Child abuse and neglect can happen in all types of households, no matter if they are intact or separated families. Divorce cases involving child abuse can be difficult and complex, that is why you need an experienced child abuse attorney fighting for your child’s rights. Destiny Law has vast experience in child abuse legal matters and has been protecting children and families for years.

If your spouse has abused your child, contact our compassionate divorce attorneys. We can help you protect your family and begin the divorce process. We are dedicated to providing exceptional representation to families in need of child abuse legal assistance.

What Is Considered Child Abuse?

Child abuse is broadly defined as any type of cruelty inflicted upon a child under the age of 18. Child maltreatment occurs when the caretaker harms the child, lets harm come to the child, or fails to meet the child’s basic needs. This serious crime could be in the form of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as exploitation and neglect.

In the state of Arkansas, the following is considered child abuse.

Physical Child Abuse

A caregiver intentionally physically harming a child may include:

• Biting
• Burning
• Grabbing
• Hitting
• Kicking
• Shaking
• Striking in the face
• Striking with a closed fist/punching

Emotional Child Abuse

A caregiver engaging in a pattern of behavior that impedes a child’s normal psychological development or sense of self-worth may include:

• Depriving a child of guidance, love, or support
• Forcing a child to watch emotional or physical abuse done to another person
• Making insulting or demeaning remarks
• Making threats of physical or sexual abuse
• Name-calling
• Teasing
• Taunting
• Threat of death or permanent impairment

Sexual Child Abuse

A child cannot consent to sexual activity, therefore sexual activity involving a minor is prohibited. A caregiver committing sexual abuse may include:

• Engaging in any type of sexual behavior
• Exploitation (involving the child in sexual activity in return for payment)
• Exposing themselves
• Performing and/or demanding sexual acts

Other Forms of Child Maltreatment

All other child abuse considered endangerment and neglect may include:

• Abandonment
• Delaying or denying needed medical treatment
• Failing to provide basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and sanitary conditions of living
• Failing to tend to a child’s basic educational needs such as not enrolling them in school
• Refusing to allow a child to form relationships or friendships with siblings, other children, or adults

Child Abuse Legal Actions

If you are divorcing your child’s abuser, you may seek justice for your child’s physical and/or emotional injuries. Reporting child abuse to the Arkansas Department of Human Services could raise criminal charges against your spouse. They may face serious consequences including restriction of parental rights, fines, and jail time. Criminal penalties for child abuse depend on certain factors including the type of conduct, the age of the child, and whether the offense is a repeated one.

There are laws in place to protect children’s health and welfare but when a child is abused by someone who is supposed to care for them, such as a parent or guardian, the physical pain and emotional trauma are even more difficult to endure. When a child experiences abuse, removing them from their abuser’s care is vital. That’s why it is important to act now!

Little Rock Divorce Lawyers

The child abuse lawyers at Destiny Law can help your family receive therapy. Let our child abuse, divorce, and child custody attorneys in Little Rock help build your case and get you and your child the justice and safety your family deserves.

We are committed to resolving child abuse cases with the best possible divorce outcome. Let us help make this difficult time easier on your family — contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the divorce process!