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 Maine, child abuse is defined and regulated under both the state's family code and criminal statutes. Child abuse encompasses a range of behaviors that harm or pose a serious risk to a child's physical or emotional well-being. This includes neglect (failure to provide for a child's basic needs), physical abuse (inflicting physical injury), sexual abuse (engaging in or allowing sexual acts), emotional abuse (causing psychological harm), lack of supervision, and exploitation. Maine law mandates that certain professionals, such as educators and healthcare providers, must report suspected child abuse to the Department of Health and Human Services. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. When abuse is reported, the state can intervene to protect the child, which may involve investigation by child protective services, court actions, and in severe cases, criminal charges against the abuser. The state's approach is designed to ensure the safety and welfare of children and to provide services to families to prevent further harm to the child.