Children and Young People: Child Abuse

Child abuse is when a child or young person is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child. It could be over time, or it could be a one-off action. There are different types of abuse; neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse.

• Neglect is when a parent or carer doesn’t provide a child or young person with the things they need to survive, for example; food, drink, clothes, shelter or protection from danger.
• Physical abuse is when someone hurts a child or young person with their hands, their feet, other parts of their body or an object.
• Emotional abuse is when someone tries to control a child or young person by using words and emotions to criticise, blame, embarrass/shame them and manipulate them.
• Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is forced, pressurised or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity.

Everyone has the right to be safe from all types of abuse. If this is happening to you, you could talk to a trusted adult. If you can’t talk to an adult, you can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.

If you are in danger you can call The Police by dialling 999.