CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Child abuse & neglect practices are as old as human civilization & even now large numbers of children are made disabled mentally and physically due to such practices. Unfortunately in our country till date, protection of children from abuse has shown a marked lack of progress & child sacrifice practices still prevail in india. A child has right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence injury or abuse or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse while in the care of parents, legal guardians or any other person who has care of the child.Because of the high prevalence of child abuse and neglect and the high percentage of oral and facial wounds as a result of child maltreatment, it is crucial for dental care providers to be well educated about child care and neglect. Often underprivileged children fall prey to their parent¿s frustration and anger. Some of these children are lucky enough to be institutionalized with various organizations and child support groups. But the non- institutionalized children remain at the mercy of the society.