{"id":373937,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:31","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-07-18T11:53:11","modified_gmt":"2018-07-18T16:53:11","slug":"massachusetts-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Child abuse is broadly defined to cover situations when a parent or caretaker emotionally, physically, or sexually abuses, neglects, or abandons a child. Child abuse laws are intended to protect children from serious harm while still allowing parents to raise and discipline their children as they see fit. If you suspect that someone is abusing a child, you can visit FindLaw's Where to Get Help for Child Abuse<\/a> section for more information on what to do.<\/p>\r\n

What Constitutes Child Abuse in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\r\n

In Massachusetts, child abuse and neglect are addressed in various statutes in the state's section on "Crimes and Punishments" and "Administration of the Government" sections. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families<\/a> (DCF) works to protect children from abuse and neglect in the state.<\/p>\r\n

Similar to other states, Massachusetts also has mandatory reporting laws<\/a> that require certain people with access to children (such as teachers and pediatricians) to report suspected cases of child abuse. It's important to note that for purposes of the mandatory reporting laws, child abuse occurs when a child under the age of 18 suffers physical or emotional injury from:<\/p>\r\n