### Question
What does child maltreatment mean?


### Answer
**Child maltreatment** has the following meaning in *34 U.S.C. § 12291*:

> the physical or psychological abuse or neglect of a child or youth, including sexual assault and abuse

#### Citation:
  - *34 U.S.C. § 12291*
  - Heading: **Subtitle I-Comprehensive Acts > CHAPTER 121-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER III-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN**

