What is Abuse?

Physical Abuse

When an adult deliberately hurts a child, such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning or suffocating.

Emotional Abuse

This would happen, for instance, when a child is being unfairly blamed for everything, or told they are stupid and made to feel unhappy all the time.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse could be where a child has been forced to take part in sexual activities or take and share rude photos.

Bullying

E.g. name calling, damaging property, stealing, spreading rumours, cyberbullying, hurting, getting people into trouble (See Bullying)

Domestic Violence

When one adult in a family or relationship threatens, bullies or hurts another adult e.g. physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually or financially.

Neglect

Where a child is not being looked after properly, for example, not getting enough to eat or being left alone in dangerous situations.