New Testament Verses
The New Testament Bible verses regarding child abuse that quickly comes to mind are in Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3. The apostle Paul in both these places warns parents to not unjustly or excessively correct their children, as there are negative consequences for doing so.
And fathers, do not provoke your children; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:21).
Both of these are addressed to the fathers in the household and, by extension, to anyone in authority over that a young one. Those in authority are commanded, not suggested, to not provoke (abuse) them until he or she becomes violently angry or in a rage of frustration. To act in such a way toward a child would be against the will of God.
If a child is provoked, even for his own good (as some would argue), this is permitted but that is not what God demands. So I would have to say from these two scriptures that people in authority should not abuse these blessings from God for any reason.
Another place that might be of help to understand our Father's loving mind toward our offspring and how to treat them is the admonition to not even put barriers before "little ones" (see Matthew 18:1 - 6 and Mark 9). Clearly, Jesus takes the abuse or hindering of children, especially those who are spiritually quite young, very seriously!
Teach in Love
As parents we must always teach in love and discipline with justice without taking advantage of our God-given position of authority. This does not mean an adult should be passive and not correct a child for unacceptable behavior because that would also be a sign of being unloving and abusive.
Even God, because of his perfect love, chastens or corrects those who have his spirit as his dear child (Hebrews 12:7, Revelation 3:19).
What is Abuse?
One of the primary problems for each generation is to figure out what it considers abusive. In the modern English dictionaries the definition is to attack verbally, to misuse or mistreat someone. This can be manifested in verbal insults, physical battery (although spanking done in love and for the good of the child is permitted), emotional and psychological mistreatment because of lies and hypocrisy, and spiritual deception.
Abuse, toward anyone, also includes neglecting very important parts of being a human being such as withholding items of survival like food, water, and heat. Love and nurturing are vital parts is aiding humans to grow up properly.
The first lesson of mankind outside of Eden, found in the story of Cain and Abel, is that we are not to take advantage of each other. The Bible is, sadly, full of such stories. God certainly does not like this behavior and would never approve of abuse toward a child for any reason. He is a Being of law and order. He is Love and Truth and Mercy.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly states that we should never condone or be a part of child abuse or any other kind of sin against our fellow men and women, regardless of their age. Such actions come from the "works of the flesh," our human nature apart from God, which Paul enumerates in Galatians (Galatians 5:14 - 15, 19 - 21).