• Child abuse is a serious crime in Virginia.Child image by Serenitie from Fotolia.com
  
  The term "child endangerment" refers to any act by a parent or other adult that puts a child at risk for physical bodily harm. Physical abuse, abandonment and neglect are examples of acts that endanger the well-being of a child, defined as someone under the age of 18. Virginia, like all other states, has strict laws criminalizing the abuse or neglect of a minor child.
  
  

Abused or Neglected Child

• Under Virginia law, an abused or neglected child is a child whose parent or other caretaker inflicts, threatens or allows physical injury, including death, disfigurement or impairment, on her by other than accidental means. Virginia state criminal law also defines an abused or neglected child as one who is present during the manufacture, attempted manufacture, sale or attempted sale of a controlled substance.
  
  

Punishment

• In Virginia, the punishment for child abuse or endangerment varies, depending on the type of abuse or endangerment. For example, a parent or adult caretaker who manufacturers or attempts to manufacture methamphetamine in the presence of a minor child will be imprisoned for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 40 years.
  
  

Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

• The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) standardizes protection of minors in all states, including Virginia, by creating a universal definition of child abuse and neglect. Under CAPTA provisions, child abuse and neglect is defined as the failure of a parent or adult caretaker to keep a child free from a threat of physical harm.