American Samoa § 46.3811 - Abuse of a child.

§ 46.3811. Abuse of a child.

(a) A person commits the crime of “child abuse” or “abuse of a child” if he purposely or knowingly: (1) causes injury to a child by unreasonable force by: (A) burning, biting, or cutting a child; (B) striking a child with a closed fist; (C) shaking, kicking, or throwing the child; (D) interfering with the child’s breathing; (E) threatening a child with a dangerous instrument or injuring a child with such a dangerous instrument. For purposes of this chapter, a dangerous instrument means any instrument, article, or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury; or (F) other act that creates a substantial risk of harm or death to a child. The acts in subparagraphs (A) through (F) may be evidenced by any skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, dehydration, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, injury to any internal organ or any physical condition that imperils the health or welfare of the victim, or can lead to death; or (2) inflicts serious emotional damage to a child which is injury to the emotional condition of a child as evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, substantial change in behavior, emotional response, cognition or untoward aggressive behavior, and such injury is diagnosed by a medical doctor or psychologist. (b) Abuse of a child is a class D felony. History: 1979, PL 16-43 § 2; amd 2014, PL 33-10 § 17. Research Guide: MCC 568.060, 21 ASC 2901.