Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What charge might apply if a parent does not intervene in a violent situation involving their child?

1. Assault

2. Failure to protect

3. Child neglect

4. Both B and C are correct

The correct answer is: Both B and C are correct

The charge that might apply when a parent does not intervene in a violent situation involving their child encompasses both failure to protect and child neglect. Failure to protect refers specifically to a situation where a parent or guardian fails to take reasonable action to prevent harm to their child, especially when they are aware of a threatening or violent circumstance. This charge recognizes the responsibility of parents to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their children, and when they neglect this duty, it can lead to serious legal implications. Child neglect, on the other hand, involves a broader range of behaviors where a parent fails to provide adequate care, supervision, or protection for their child. If a parent knowingly allows a violent situation to escalate without intervening, it can be classified as a failure to meet the standards of care that are necessary to protect a child from harm. In this case, both charges are applicable, demonstrating the complexity of parental responsibilities and the possible legal consequences of not acting to safeguard a child.