Child Abuse Crimes and Their Penalties

A Comprehensive Legal Guide to Protecting Children from Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Harm

Introduction

What Is Considered Child Abuse in Iranian Law?

According to Article 2 of the Law on the Protection of Children and Adolescents: “Any form of physical, psychological, moral, or emotional harm, deliberate neglect, exploitation, or denial of legal rights to a child is considered a crime.” 📌 Simply put: Any behavior that harms a child’s body, mind, or development—or puts them at risk—is legally defined as child abuse.

Types of Child Abuse

Physical abuse: beating, burning, locking up, denying food or care

• Emotional abuse: insults, humiliation, threats, intimidation, chronic neglect

Sexual abuse: inappropriate touching, rape, sexual propositions, exposure to pornography

Neglect: failure to provide food, medicine, education, or medical care

Economic exploitation: forced labor, begging, child trafficking

Can Parents Be Prosecuted for Child Abuse?

Yes.

How Can Child Abuse Be Reported?