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 Arizona, child abuse is defined and governed by both civil and criminal statutes. According to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3623, child abuse can be charged when an individual causes a child to suffer physical injury, abuse, or neglect, or when a person having the care or custody of a child causes or permits the child to be placed in a situation where their health or welfare is endangered. This includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, exploitation, and failure to supervise. The law also covers situations where a person fails to report suspected child abuse. Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) is the agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect. The state mandates that certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare providers, must report suspected child abuse. Failure to report can result in penalties. Child abuse can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the abuse, and can also lead to civil consequences, including the termination of parental rights.