CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse is any action by another person, adult or child, that causes significant harm to a child.

It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse.

 

Physical

Children who are emotionally abused suffer emotional maltreatment or neglect. It’s sometimes called psychological abuse and can cause children serious harm.

 

Sexual

A child is sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This doesn’t have to be physical contact, and it can happen online

 

Emotional

Children who are emotionally abused suffer emotional maltreatment or neglect. It’s sometimes called psychological abuse and can cause children serious harm.

 

Neglect

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs. It’s dangerous and children can suffer serious and long-term harm.

 

Online abuse

Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, playing online games or using mobile phones.

 

Sexual Exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

 

Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

 

Bullying and cyberbullying

Bullying can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. It’s usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally.

 

Domestic abuse

Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse, and teenagers can suffer domestic abuse in their relationships.

 

Child trafficking

Child trafficking is a type of abuse where children are recruited, moved or transported and then exploited, forced to work or sold.

 

Grooming

Children and young people can be groomed online or in the real world, by a stranger or by someone they know – for example a family member, friend or professional.

 

Harmful sexual behaviour

Children and young people who develop harmful sexual behaviour harm themselves and others.

 

The Underwear Rule

As it can sometimes be very difficult to discuss issues surrounding child abuse, the NSPCC has launched a campaign designed to help parents talk to their children about keeping safe. More information can be found by visiting the NSPCC website or by downloading one of the guides below:

 

The Underwear Rule – A brief guide for parents and carers

The Underwear Rule – A child friendly guide

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule/

 

Signs and symptoms

Children develop and mature at different rates. So what’s worrying for a younger child, might be normal behaviour for an older child. If a child looks or acts a lot older or younger than their age, this could be a cause for concern.

However, if a child develops more slowly than others of a similar age and there’s not a cause such as physical or learning disabilities, it could be a sign they’re being abused.

If you are worried about a child Ring 0808 800 500