### Question
Can you define what mental injury means?


### Answer
**Mental injury** is defined as the following in *42 U.S.C. § 13031*:

> harm to a child's psychological or intellectual functioning which may be exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or outward aggressive behavior, or a combination of those behaviors, which may be demonstrated by a change in behavior, emotional response or cognition

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 13031*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 132-VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE > SUBCHAPTER IV-REPORTING REQUIREMENTS**

