Is this amount of neglect child abuse?

Question

My wife and I have been separated for the past 6 months.  She has custody of our 3 sons, who are 9, 13 and 15.  She has been spending most of her time with her new boyfriend, and according to the boys, when she is home, she ignores them in favour of her laptop.

Last Monday, the 13 year old complained of diarrhoea and vomiting.  She didn't take him in to see a doctor until Thursday, by which point his appendix had burst.

I was going in for spinal surgery on Thursday, and wound up in the same hospital as him.

What I'm wondering is if that level of neglect would count as child abuse?

? · Accepted Answer

Actually, I think so, it is a type of medical neglect. If your child is in need of urgent medical uses and if he is ignored and doesn't get any medical help in the next 24 hours, than it is medical neglect. What makes it even worse is that his appendix has busted, than that makes it a very bad case of medical neglect.

? · Answer

it is not necessarily neglect... your brother may have had nothing and going to the ER after vomitting or diahrea one day is not smart either... waiting to see if it passes is the best choice. If he was sent back home is apendix would have bursted EVEN if he saw a doctor who would've most likely tell him to get some rest and stay as hydrated as possible...

sure, she has a new boyfriend and spends too much time on her computer... it'll pass and if it REALLY bothers all of you, you should have a talk with her....

but in no way is this neglect or abuse so far as I read...

&lt;{^◡^}&gt; · Answer

I would say is at LEAST borderline, because I don't know the full extent. Are they malnourished, or not getting necessary life needs taken care of? does the 15 year old have to take care of the other two?
I say that the hospital experience is definitely alarming and a big sign to investigate. Good luck!

Is this amount of neglect child abuse?

3 Answers