Abuse can mean different things to different children and young people and can happen once or many times.
Physical Abuse
When children or young people are hurt or injured by parents or other people. Hitting, kicking, beating with objects, throwing and shaking are all physical abuse, and can cause pain, cuts, bruising, broken bones and even death.
Sexual Abuse
When children or young people are forced or persuaded into sexual acts or situations by others. Children or young people may be encouraged to look at pornography, be harassed by sexual suggestions or comments, be touched sexually or forced to have sex.
Emotional Abuse
When children or young people are not given love, approval or acceptance. They may be constantly criticised, blamed, sworn and shouted at, told that other people are better than they are and rejected by those they look to for affection.
Neglect
When parents or others looking after children or young people do not provide them with proper food, warmth, shelter, clothing, care and protection.
Many children and young people don’t tell anyone about being abused because they have been threatened into keeping silent or made to feel ashamed and guilty. They may feel afraid of what will happen to their family or that no-one will believe them.
It is not just strangers who abuse children and young people, 95% of children calling Childline about sexual and physical abuse know the abuser. Abusers include parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, teachers, family friends and brothers and sisters.
What are the effects of child abuse?
Child abuse sometimes causes physical injuries and often leave emotional scars. People who have grown up being abused can feel worthless, unlovable, betrayed, powerless, confused, frightened and mistrustful of others. They might feel, wrongly, that it is their fault. Talking to somebody who can be trusted can help children and young people to feel better.
children and young people have a right to be safe
children and young people shouldn’t feel they have to deal with abuse on their own
it is ok for children and young people not to keep secrets about being abused
children and young people may not be believed when they talk about abuse. This does not mean that they are lying. They should try and find someone to tell who will believe them
children and young people should tell a person they can trust such as a parent, relative, teacher, personal advisor, youth worker or friend even if they are worried about what will happen next
The legal system
Under our law, some adults, like teachers, personal advisors or youth workers must pass on any information if a child or young person tells them they are being abused or they are in danger of suffering ‘significant harm’. If a child or young person phones Childline, the councillor does not have to tell anyone else and nothing is passed on to social services or the police unless the young person wants to take that step or is in serious danger.
