Neglect is a passive form of abuse in which a perpetrator is responsible to provide care for a victim who is unable to care for himself or herself, but fails to provide adequate care.

Neglect may include the failure to provide sufficient supervision, nourishment, or medical care, or the failure to fulfill other needs for which the victim is helpless to provide for himself or herself. The term is also applied when necessary care is withheld by those responsible for providing it from animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. Neglect can carry on in a childs life falling into many long-term side effects such as; physical injuries, low self-esteem, attention disorders, violent behavior, and can even cause death.

There are many different types of neglect but they all have consequences whether it be physically or mentally. Neglect can affect the body physically by effecting a child's development which can lead to chronic medical problems. When experiencing neglect you usually have poor nutritional value, which causes abnormal patterns for development.When not given the proper nutrients at certain growth periods it can result in stunted growth, and inadequate bone and muscle growth. Brain functioning and information processing are also consequences of neglect. Which leads to difficulty in understanding directions, the understanding of social relationships, or the impossibility of completing academic tasks without assistance. Neglected children or adults can have physical injuries like fractures or severe burns that go untreated, or infections, lice or other signs of lack of care. Not being treated for health problems can lead to chronic disorders when children get older. There are many physical effects neglect can have on a person.