Which type of abuse involves a lack of basic necessities?

Neglect is characterized by the failure to provide for a person's basic needs, which can include food, water, shelter, medical care, and other essential support. This form of abuse often occurs in situations where caregivers are either unwilling or unable to meet these fundamental requirements for a person’s well-being, especially among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

In contrast, physical abuse involves causing bodily harm to someone, sexual abuse pertains to non-consensual sexual acts, and abandonment refers to a caregiver leaving a dependent person without necessary care or supervision. While abandonment may overlap with neglect, it does not specifically address ongoing deprivation of basic necessities. Therefore, neglect is the most accurate choice for a scenario focused on a lack of essential resources and care.