child abuse vs abuse

child abuse and abuse both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
child abuse	Yes	No	No	No
abuse	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, abuse is a hypernym of child abuse; that is, abuse is a word with a broader meaning than child abuse:

Other hypernyms of child abuse include ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment.

child abuse (noun)	abuse (noun)
the physical or emotional or sexual mistreatment of children	improper or excessive use
	cruel or inhumane treatment
	a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

child abuse (verb)	abuse (verb)
	change the inherent purpose or function of something
	use wrongly or improperly or excessively
	use foul or abusive language towards
	treat badly