The term abuse refers to numerous types of events in which someone or something takes advantage, misuses or otherwise abuses something or someone. In addition, the term may be used to refer to the law, as in an abuse of the law, in which someone tries to use the law to their advantage to harm another in any way. Common forms of abuse include the abuse of children, abuse of a spouse, or of another person, or the abuse of property, animals or the law. In any case, the term refers to any type of mental, emotional, sexual, physical injury type of mistreatment. Abuse is an intentional act, not an accidental act under law. State laws differ on what is considered abuse or an abusive situation.