Child Protection
What is child abuse and neglect?
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect
a child by inflicting, or by failing to act to prevent, significant harm to the
child. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional setting, by those
known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. There are different types of abuse
and neglect:
Physical abuse - causing physical harm or injury; for example by
hitting, kicking, shaking or punching.
Sexual abuse - inappropriate sexual behaviour or language; for
example indecent assault, sexual intercourse, encouraging children to behave in
sexually inappropriate ways.
Emotional abuse - persistent emotional neglect or ill-treatment;
for example constantly criticised, ignored, humiliated, exposed to domestic abuse
Neglect - persistent failure to meet a child's basic needs; for
example failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, poor hygiene, failing
to protect from physical harm or danger, or to ensure access to appropriate medical
care or treatment.