nspcc Signs of abuse
Learn how to recognise the signs of child abuse
Children and young people often find it very difficult to talk about the abuse they are experiencing. So adults have a vital role to play in looking out for the possible signs.
Although it is sometimes hard to be 100 per cent certain that a child is being abused, here are some of the signs to watch out for:
? A baby who cries constantly
? A child who is often bruised or injured
? A child who is often very withdrawn
? A child who is often very dirty or smelly
? A child who is often hungry, or under or over-dressed for the time of year
? A child who is often left at home alone
? A child who is often left in unsafe situations, or without medical attention when they need it
? A child who is constantly ?put down?, insulted, sworn at or humiliated
? A child who seems very afraid of particular adults, and reluctant to be alone with them
? A child who has unexplained changeable emotions, such as depression, anxiety or severe aggression
? A child who shows sexual knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age
? A child who is growing up in a home where there is domestic violence
? A child who is living with parents or carers who are involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse.
In some cases these signs may have an acceptable explanation.
On the other hand, this list does not cover every possibility. You may see other things in the child's behaviour or circumstances that worry you.
The most important thing to remember is that if you have a gut feeling that something is not right, trust your judgement and take action.
It is not true that most child abuse involves strangers. The majority of abuse is by a family member or someone else known to the child. You may only have seen or heard one or two things that concern you, but this could be the tip of the iceberg for the child.
If you think a child is being harmed, it might seem easier to do nothing. But stop for a minute to imagine how lonely and scared the child must feel. You have the potential to make a real difference in that child?s life.
Take action if you are worried that a child is being abused
Here are some of the things that you can do:
? Talk to someone you trust ? a family member, friend or neighbour ? to see if they share your concerns, that way you can support each other and take action together
? Seek advice about your worries from a professional, e.g. a doctor, a teacher, a health visitor or a social worker
? Contact the NSPCC free 24 hour Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 ? our trained advisers will listen to your worries, whether big or small, and decide what, if anything, needs to happen next. For NSPCC Child Protection Helplines in other languages.
? If you think a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999
What to do if you are worried about the safety of a child NOW
So don?t keep your concerns to yourself, trust your judgement. Abused children need you to act now.
If you are a child or young person you can read more about what is child abuse on the ChildLine website .
What is child abuse?
Child abuse can take four forms, all of which can cause long term damage to a child: Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and child sexual abuse . Bullying and domestic violence are also forms of child abuse .
NSPCC leaflets about Child Protection .
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