The Legislature of the Virgin Islands finds and declares that: (a) the children of the Virgin Islands are its most precious resource; and (b) serious abuse and neglect of children are increasing in the Virgin Islands; and (c) it is the policy of the Government of the Virgin Islands to protect children from assault, abuse […]
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (a) “Abuse” means the infliction of physical, mental or emotional injury upon a child, or maltreatment, sexual conduct or sexual contact with a child, or exploitation of a child by any person. (b) “Basic necessities of life” means food, shelter, clothing, medical care and […]
Any person who is responsible for the safety or welfare of a child, including, but not limited to, a child’s parent, stepparent, guardian, schoolteacher, or baby sitter, who neglects a child, or who knowingly, recklessly or negligently causes or allows a child to suffer physical, mental or emotional injury, or who knowingly, recklessly or negligently […]
Any person who abuses a child, or who knowingly or recklessly causes a child to suffer physical, mental or emotional injury, or who knowingly or recklessly causes a child to be placed in a situation where it is reasonably foreseeable that a child may suffer physical, mental or emotional injury or be deprived of any […]
A person perpetrates an act of aggravated child abuse or neglect when: (1) the child suffers serious physical injury; or (2) the child suffers serious mental or emotional injury; or (3) the child dies from such abuse or neglect. A person who is convicted of aggravated child abuse or neglect shall be punished by imprisonment […]
Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to prevent a parent, guardian, or person acting at the direction of a child’s parent or guardian, from using reasonable and moderate physical discipline to correct, restrain or discipline a child. The following actions are examples of unreasonable conduct when used by any person to correct, restrain or […]
