Child abuse can take many forms including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as neglect. It is estimated that the total abuse rate of children is 25.2 per 1,000 children. The most common form of child abuse is neglect, accounting for 15.9 per 1,000 children, while physical and sexual abuse rates are lower at 5.7 and 2.5 per 1,000 respectively. Children who experience abuse often suffer psychological, emotional and social problems that can continue into adulthood if not properly treated. Nurses play an important role in caring for child abuse victims by providing physical, emotional and social support.