Child Abuse
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What is child abuse?
Child abuse is legally defined as any act or omission that causes physical injury or death to a child by means other than accidental means, the willful harming or injuring of a child, and unlawful corporal punishment of a child.  
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These acts include:
  • Physical abuse and corporal punishment resulting in an injury
  • Emotional abuse
  • Emotional deprivation
  • Sexual abuse and exploitation and others
Reporting
The law requires school, day camp, youth center, child day care, child care institution employees, and others to report suspicion and/or knowledge of child abuse immediately.  

​Any delay in reporting suspicion and/or knowledge of child abuse may result in civil liability.
Teresa Li,  Esq.
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Indicators to Watch For
Physical Abuse:
  • Bruises, burns, abrasions, lacerations, or swelling caused by other than accidental means
  • Bell buckle marks, handprints, bite marks and pinches
  • A history of recurring injuries
  • Unexplained injuries; conflicting explanations on reason for injury
  • Very young children with injuries on the back of the body from the neck to the knees
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​Emotional Abuse:
  • Child is withdrawn, depressed and apathetic and tends to "act out."
  • Displays signs of emotional turmoil such as repetitive, rhythmic movement; no verbal or physical communication

​Emotional Deprivation:
  • Child refuses to eat adequate amounts of food and is thus very frail
  • Displays overly exaggerated fears
  • Continuously seeks out and "pesters" other adults for attention and affection
  • Appears normal but is unable to perform normal learned functions for a given age, e.g., walking, talking, etc.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation:
  • Child makes statement about sexual activities with parents, other relatives, friends of the family or other adults
  • Child shows an early and/or exaggerated awareness of sex, with either seductive interest or fearful avoidance of close contact with others
  • Child is known to be a victim of other forms of abuse
  • Bloody underclothing or tearing/bruising of the mouth, anus, or genitals
Law Offices of Teresa Li, PC
If you suspect that your child is a victim of child abuse, please contact the police immediately and call our firm.  Law Offices of Teresa Li, PC is a San Francisco boutique law firm that has extensive experience in representing child abuse victims in civil lawsuits.  We are very selective in our cases and have the skills and resources required for success.  We have a team of medical and school experts who will provide key expert opinions that will increase your chance of success.  In the event of a successful resolution, we have a team of advisors who will work with you to protect the child's financial interest.