Neglect | Community Health

Neglect is a form of abuse that occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, supervision, or support to an individual who is unable to care for themselves. This can result in severe physical and emotional harm, including developmental trauma disorder, low self-esteem, and even death. According to the [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]], neglect is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide, with the [[centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention|Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] estimating that over 700,000 children are neglected each year in the United States alone. The consequences of neglect can be long-lasting, with many victims experiencing ongoing physical and emotional difficulties, as noted by the [[american-academy-of-pediatrics|American Academy of Pediatrics]]. It is essential to recognize the signs of neglect and provide support to those affected, as well as to work towards preventing neglect through education, awareness, and community engagement, as advocated by organizations like [[unicef|UNICEF]] and the [[national-alliance-to-end-homelessness|National Alliance to End Homelessness]].