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 Utah, child abuse is defined and governed by both the state's family code and criminal statutes. According to Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-109, child abuse includes physical injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, emotional harm, or any form of neglect by a parent or caregiver that results in harm or risk of harm to a child's health or welfare. Utah law requires certain professionals and individuals, such as teachers, doctors, and clergy, to report suspected child abuse to the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in legal consequences. The state takes allegations of child abuse seriously, and upon investigation, if abuse is substantiated, it can lead to criminal charges against the perpetrator, as well as intervention to protect the child, which may include removal from the home and placement in foster care or with a relative. Utah's approach to child abuse emphasizes both the protection of children and the provision of services to families to prevent and address abuse.