al Abuse- An act of commission, including intrusion or penetration, molestation with genital contact, or other forms of sexual acts in which children are used to provide sexual gratification for the perpetrator. This type of abuse also includes acts such as sexual exploitation and child pornography. Neglect- An act of omission by a parent or caretaker that involves refusal or delay in providing health care, failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, affection, and attention, inadequate supervision or abandonment. Emotional Abuse- An act of commission or omission that includes rejecting, isolating, terrorizing, ignoring, or corrupting a child. Examples are confinement, verbal abuse, withholding sleep, food, or shelter, exposing a child to domestic violence, and other inattentions that result in harm or potential harm to a child (The future of children, 1998).Under section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, nurses, as well as many other health professionals, are required to report incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the Public Children Services Agency, the County Department of Human Services exercising the children services function, or to a municipal or county peace officer. Failure to report can result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. If found guilty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor, the nurse may lose their nursing license.The report can be made by telephone or in person, although the requesting agency may request a written report.The nurse should report any child under 18 years of age, or any physically or mentally handicapped child under 21, who you have the reason to believe has suffered any wound, injury, disability, or condition of such nature as to indicate abuse or neglect. It is important to note that you need only suspect that abuse or neglect is occurring; physical proof or other forms of validation are not required. It is up to the child...
