Child Protection
What might make you concerned?
Children rarely tell if they are being abused. However, there may be signs that
make you concerned and may be an indication of a child being abused or neglected.
The child may:
- have unexplained bruising or bruising in an unusual place;
- appear afraid, quiet or withdrawn;
- appear afraid to go home;
- appear constantly hungry, tired or unkempt;
- be left unattended or unsupervised;
- have too much responsibility for their age;
- be acting in a sexually inappropriate way;
- be misusing drugs or alcohol; or
- not be attending school regularly.
An adult's behaviour may raise concern, they may be:
- acting in a violent or sexual manner towards a child;
- misusing drugs or alcohol while caring for a child;
- verbally abusive towards a child.
These are some examples of what might make you worried or you may know of other
things that are happening which mean you should take action to protect the child.