{"id":376915,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-09-04T15:59:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T20:59:20","slug":"virginia-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\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\n\n

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Virginia child abuse laws define abuse as actions by caregivers that cause serious injury to children, including physical harm, emotional damage, or endangering a child’s welfare. Child abuse is classified as a Class 4 felony in Virginia, punishable by two to ten years in prison and fines up to $100,000. The state requires mandatory reporters like teachers, doctors, and social workers to report suspected abuse within 24 hours or face criminal penalties.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Child abuse includes the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a minor, as well as child neglect and abandonment. Each state defines child abuse<\/a> and neglect in its own way, but all jurisdictions consider it a serious crime.<\/p>\n

Under Virginia law, child abuse is a felony<\/a>. The penalties for this crime depend on the nature and severity of the abuse and the offender\u2019s prior criminal history. For example, under Virginia child abuse laws, someone who risks a child\u2019s life or the child\u2019s health may face jail time or a prison sentence.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the child abuse laws in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including the penalties<\/a> for these crimes.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing criminal charges, it’s important to understand Virginia\u2019s child abuse statutes and what is at stake. A criminal defense attorney<\/a> can help you understand your options.<\/p>\n

Virginia Child Abuse Laws at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The following chart provides an overview of Virginia child abuse laws, including the requirements for mandatory reporters<\/a> and links to the relevant statutes.<\/p>\n

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Code Section(s)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Code of Virginia Section 18.2-371.1<\/a> (Abuse and Neglect of Children<\/em>)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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What Constitutes Child Abuse?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Under Virginia law, child abuse occurs when a child\u2019s parent, foster parent<\/a>, guardian, or other individual responsible for the care of the child acts (or fails to act) in a way that causes serious injury to the child. This may include physical abuse that causes a physical injury, emotional injury, or mental injury.<\/p>\n

Serious injuries include (but aren’t limited to):<\/p>\n

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Charges and Penalties<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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In Virginia, child abuse is a Class 4 felony<\/a> and carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Mandatory Reporting<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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There are certain people who have a duty to report abuse or neglect of a child<\/a>. These people are “mandated reporters.”<\/p>\n

Mandatory reporters include (but are not limited to):<\/p>\n

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Penalty for Failure to Report<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Failure to report suspected abuse within 24 hours may result in the following penalties:<\/p>\n