What is child abuse or child neglect

In an emergency

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger or involved in a serious crime.

Child abuse is when a child is harmed by an adult or another child. It can take many forms.

Child neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child's basic needs.

You may wish to report a concern that a child is suffering from abuse or neglect.

Abuse

Everyone has the right to live a life free of abuse. Abuse can take different forms, ranging from exploitation and disrespectful treatment to physical harm. It can be at a low level, taking place over a long time, or it can take place over a short time and be more extreme. It can include

Physical abuse

If someone purposely hurts a child or young person this is physical abuse.

This could be hitting, smacking, shaking, burning, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Sexual abuse

If a child or young person is asked or forced to take part in sexual activity, or watch sexual activity or content, this is sexual abuse.

This can include making a child or young person do sexual things to themselves or other people, showing them sexual material or taking photos or filming them doing things of a sexual nature.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is when a child or young person is made to feel worthless, wrong, unfairly blamed, bullied or frightened.

Neglect

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet someone's basic needs.

For example, the person may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care.

Someone who's neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous - it can cause serious, long-term damage, or even death.

Self-neglect can also fall under this area of concern.

Spotting abuse or neglect

You can find more information about the signs of child abuse on the NSPCC website.

If you have a concern

You can report a concern about abuse or neglect to us:

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