On this page: What is abuse? | Physical abuse | Sexual abuse | Emotional abuse | Neglect

What is abuse?

Child abuse is when anyone under 18 is being harmed or isn't being looked after properly. Sometimes a young person can be abused by a stranger or by another young person, but usually they know the person who is hurting them or making them do things that they should not. They can be abused anywhere; at home, at school, a local sport centre or after school club. Sometimes someone else knows what is happening, but they don't stop it. This is wrong too!

Need to talk to someone?

To speak to a social worker call 020 8871 6622, Or 020 8871 6000 outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays or on weekends).

In an emergency call the Police on telephone number 999.

More on what to do if you are worried...

Remember, it is never your choice and never your fault for being abused. Child abuse is never right.

There are four main types of abuse: Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Neglect.

Physical abuse

This when someone hurts a child or young person on purpose. There are many forms of physical abuse. The most common includes:

Hitting
Punching
Shaking
Throwing
Poisoning
Burning
Scalding
Drowning
Suffocating
Making a child ill.

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Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when someone under the age of 16 is told, asked or forced to take part in sexual activities. It does not matter if they know what is happening, or not. There are different ways in which a young person can be sexually abused. Some examples are:

Having some one touch their private parts
Making them touch someone else's private parts
Involving them in the making of films, videos or DVDs or taking photos and videos on mobile phones that involve sexual activity
Making them watch sexual behaviour or
Making them do sexual things either to themselves or with other people.

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Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse happens in many different ways. It can affect how a young person or child sees themselves; how they feel they fit in with their friends, schoolmates and where they live.

Examples of emotional abuse are:

Being constantly told they are wrong or not good enough
Being unfairly blamed for everything all the time
Told that they are stupid
Made to feel unhappy
Being called nasty names
Being told they should never have been born
Being told to do tasks they are not old enough or can not really do
Seeing or hearing someone from home being hurt by another member of the family (domestic violence)
Being bullied
Being made to feel frightened or in danger.
Being over protected, like not being allowed to ever play or go out

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Neglect

Neglect is when a child or young person is not being looked after properly and his/her very basic needs are not met. This could result in their health or growth being damaged. These 'very basic needs' include:

Food
Shelter (a safe place to stay/roof over your head)
Safety in the home
Not being left alone in dangerous situations
Proper clothing
Good cleanliness (being allowed to wash/bath often enough)
Being kept warm
More help for vulnerable children
Medical treatment if necessary
Protection from physical and emotional harm or danger

If you, or you know of someone, that is being abused, then please tell someone.

Wandsworth Safeguarding

Supporting and Protecting Todays Youth

What is abuse?

Physical abuse

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Neglect

Information for Children and Young People What is abuse? What to do if you're worried The Internet and mobiles Sexual health Bullying Weapons Drugs and alcohol Domestic violence Self harming Too thin or fat? Running away Young carers Children with disabilities Not living with your parents? Useful Links E-Safety Strategy Information for Parents, Carers, Families and Friends Information for Professionals working with Children and Young People About Us Contact Us Policies and Procedures Resources Training		On this page: What is abuse? \| Physical abuse \| Sexual abuse \| Emotional abuse \| Neglect What is abuse? Child abuse is when anyone under 18 is being harmed or isn't being looked after properly. Sometimes a young person can be abused by a stranger or by another young person, but usually they know the person who is hurting them or making them do things that they should not. They can be abused anywhere; at home, at school, a local sport centre or after school club. Sometimes someone else knows what is happening, but they don't stop it. This is wrong too! Need to talk to someone? To speak to a social worker call 020 8871 6622, Or 020 8871 6000 outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays or on weekends). In an emergency call the Police on telephone number 999. More on what to do if you are worried... Remember, it is never your choice and never your fault for being abused. Child abuse is never right. There are four main types of abuse: Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Neglect. Physical abuse This when someone hurts a child or young person on purpose. There are many forms of physical abuse. The most common includes: Hitting Punching Shaking Throwing Poisoning Burning Scalding Drowning Suffocating Making a child ill. Top of page Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse is when someone under the age of 16 is told, asked or forced to take part in sexual activities. It does not matter if they know what is happening, or not. There are different ways in which a young person can be sexually abused. Some examples are: Having some one touch their private parts Making them touch someone else's private parts Involving them in the making of films, videos or DVDs or taking photos and videos on mobile phones that involve sexual activity Making them watch sexual behaviour or Making them do sexual things either to themselves or with other people. Top of page Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse happens in many different ways. It can affect how a young person or child sees themselves; how they feel they fit in with their friends, schoolmates and where they live. Examples of emotional abuse are: Being constantly told they are wrong or not good enough Being unfairly blamed for everything all the time Told that they are stupid Made to feel unhappy Being called nasty names Being told they should never have been born Being told to do tasks they are not old enough or can not really do Seeing or hearing someone from home being hurt by another member of the family (domestic violence) Being bullied Being made to feel frightened or in danger. Being over protected, like not being allowed to ever play or go out Top of page Neglect Neglect is when a child or young person is not being looked after properly and his/her very basic needs are not met. This could result in their health or growth being damaged. These 'very basic needs' include: Food Shelter (a safe place to stay/roof over your head) Safety in the home Not being left alone in dangerous situations Proper clothing Good cleanliness (being allowed to wash/bath often enough) Being kept warm More help for vulnerable children Medical treatment if necessary Protection from physical and emotional harm or danger If you, or you know of someone, that is being abused, then please tell someone.