Which act is defined as any action causing harm or risk to a child?

The definition of an act that results in causing harm or risk to a child aligns closely with the concept of child abuse. Child abuse encompasses various forms of maltreatment, including physical harm, emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, and any actions that put a child's welfare at risk. It is characterized by intentional actions that negatively affect a child's safety and development.

In contrast, child exploitation refers to the improper use of a child for personal or financial gain, which may not always involve direct physical or emotional harm. Child neglect involves a failure to provide for a child's basic needs, which may not always meet the criteria of causing imminent harm or risk in the same direct manner as abuse. Child abandonment describes a situation where a caregiver leaves a child without appropriate care, which could lead to neglect but does not necessarily include the aspect of harm or risk indicative of abuse. Thus, child abuse is the most accurate term to define actions that cause harm or risk to a child.