Which of the following is not considered a form of abuse under Maryland law?

In the context of Maryland law, "failure to educate" is not classified as a form of abuse. Abuse generally refers to intentional acts of harm or neglect against a vulnerable population, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. The other options listed—sexual exploitation, physical assault, and mentally abusive behavior—are recognized as direct forms of abuse that result in significant harm or the potential for harm to an individual.

Sexual exploitation involves manipulating or coercing someone into sexual activity, which is a clear violation of rights and can have profound psychological and physical effects. Physical assault refers to the intentional infliction of bodily harm, which is straightforwardly regarded as abusive behavior under the law. Mentally abusive behavior encompasses actions that harm an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, often through manipulation, intimidation, or verbal abuse, and is, therefore, also considered a form of abuse.

In contrast, while failing to provide an education might lead to negative outcomes for a child, it does not fall under the legal definition of abuse as outlined in Maryland statutes, which focus on intentional actions that cause harm.