Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

All of the following are considered forms of child abuse EXCEPT?

1. Separation

2. Sexual abuse

3. Physical abuse

4. Neglect

The correct answer is: Separation

Separation is not commonly categorized as a form of child abuse in the same way that the other options are. Child abuse typically refers to actions that cause harm or pose a threat to a child's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. Sexual abuse involves the exploitation of a child for sexual purposes, which is a clear violation of their rights and can have lasting effects on their mental health and development. Physical abuse refers to the infliction of bodily harm or trauma through various means, such as hitting or beating, directly impacting a child's safety and welfare. Neglect, on the other hand, is defined as the failure to provide for a child's basic needs, which can lead to serious health and developmental issues. While separation might occur in various contexts (such as due to parents' divorce or foster care placements), it does not inherently involve the direct harm or mistreatment of the child. Hence, separation does not fit the traditional definitions of abuse in the same manner as the other options.