The difficulty in defining this concept stems from a variety of sources. For example, disagreement exists regarding children's needs, the nature of risk, the question of who should meet the claims for children's rights, the ability to make accurate predictions, and the assumption that State intervention is benevolent. In addition, major changes have occurred in recent periods with respect to childrearing expectations, standards, and practices. Improvements have occurred in the treatment of children during this century, probably as a result of new knowledge, an improved standard of living, and efforts of lobbyists. Nevertheless, many gaps exist in knowledge of child development and the effects of different kinds of State interventions. Thus, applying a definition of emotional abuse would currently be fraught with unfairness. Nevertheless, a childhood free from emotional abuse should be the goal. 17 references and a discussion of the well-known case of Albert Facey, who experienced extreme abuse in his childhood more than 90 years ago.