Safeguarding children

Physical abuse is defined as deliberately hurting a child and causing physical. It includes injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts. It may involve hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning any other method of causing non-accidental harm to a child. Physical abuse may also happen when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. This is known as Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII).

Emotional abuse is the ongoing emotional maltreatment of a child, which can have a severe and persistent negative effect on the child’s emotional health and development. Exposing a child to aggression, cruelty or abuse between others is also a form of emotional abuse. 

Sexual abuse is forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. It doesn’t necessarily involve violence and the child may not be aware that what is happening is abuse. Child sexual abuse can involve contact abuse and non-contact abuse.

Neglect is not meeting a child’s basic physical and / or psychological needs. This can result in serious damage to their health and development. Neglect may involve a parent or carer not:

• Provide adequate food, clothing or shelter.
• Supervise a child or keeping them safe from harm or danger (including leaving them with unsuitable carers).
• Ensure the child receives appropriate health and / or dental care.
• Ensure the child receives a suitable education.
• Meet the child’s basic emotional needs - this is known as emotional neglect.