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 Vermont, child abuse is defined and governed by both the family code and criminal statutes. The state defines child abuse as any harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare by a person responsible for the child's welfare. This includes physical injury, neglect, emotional maltreatment, and sexual abuse. Vermont law mandates that certain professionals, such as educators, healthcare providers, and social workers, must report suspected child abuse to the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Failure to report can result in penalties. Once a report is made, DCF is required to investigate the allegations. If abuse is substantiated, the consequences for the perpetrator can range from mandated participation in intervention programs to criminal prosecution, which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Vermont's approach to addressing child abuse emphasizes both the protection of children and the provision of services to families to prevent further abuse.