Child abuse is when anyone under 18 is harmed or neglected. There are four main types of abuse:
Physical abuse
This is when someone physically hurts a child or young person on purpose. Physical abuse can include
- hitting
- shaking
- poisoning
- burning
- drowning
- suffocating
- making a child ill.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is told, asked or forced to take part in sexual activity. The ways in which a young person can be sexually abused include:
- making them do sexual things either to themselves or with other people
- involving them in the making of films or taking photos that involve sexual activity
- making them watch sexual behaviour.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse can damage self-esteem and severely affect friendships, school and home life. Examples of emotional abuse include:
- being made to feel worthless, wrong or unhappy
- being unfairly blamed
- being bullied
- being made to feel frightened or in danger
- seeing or hearing domestic violence within the home.
Neglect
Neglect is when a child or young person is not properly looked after. This could damage their health or wellbeing. A child's basic needs include
- food and shelter
- safety within the home
- proper clothing
- good cleanliness
- warmth
- receiving necessary medical treatment
- protection from physical and emotional harm or danger.