What is abuse?
It takes many forms, signs to look out for:
Physical Abuse
This is when children are hurt or
injured by others, for example by hitting, shaking squeezing or biting.
Some things to look for are:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises or marks
- Fear, watchfulness, over anxiety to please
- Small, round burns or bite marks
- Frequent absences from school
Sexual Abuse
This is when others use children to meet their own sexual needs. This might include sexual activity involving the child or showing the children pornographic material on videos or the internet.
Some things to look for are:
- Comments about sexual activity
- Sexual knowledge or comments which are not what you would expect from a child
- Sexual behaviour which is not what you would expect from a child
- Unexpected reactions of fear or wariness to people
- Repeated urinary or genital infections
- Pregnancy/sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse
This is when children are persistently denied love
and affection. Children will suffer if they are always shouted at, made to feel stupid, rejected, used as scapegoats or live
in a violent environment.
Some things to look for are:
- Unexplained gifts or money
- Withdrawn, anxious behaviour, lack of self-confidence
- Self-harm and eating disorders
- Demanding or attention-seeking behaviour
- Unwillingness to communicate
- Repetitive, nervous behaviour such as rocking, hair twisting or scratching
Neglect
This is where no one meets children’s basic needs for food, warmth, protection. Education and care, including health care.
Some things to look for are:
- The child’s clothes are often dirty, scruffy or unsuitable for the weather
- No one seeks medical help when child is ill or hurt
- The child is smelly and dirty
- The child is left alone or with unsuitable carers
- The child is thin, pale, lacking in energy
- Lots of accidents happen to the child
- The child is exposed to risks or dangers, such as dangers in the home or drugs or needles being left around
