Child abuse law 'does not cover neglect' The law on child abuse is failing to protect children suffering from neglect and emotional trauma, according to a report commissioned by the charity Action for Children. The report, published today, warns that the 80-year-old law fails to cover all forms of neglect, including emotional abuse, which can cause long-term mental scarring. It says authorities should intervene in cases of continual emotional neglect, as well as in instances of physical neglect.