Child protection
Child protection is about protecting a child (anyone under 18) who may be experiencing child abuse already or is at risk of experiencing abuse in future.
If you’re worried about a child
You should call 020 8708 3885.
If a child is in immediate danger or harm, call the police on 999.
When a child or young person tells you about abuse
If a child talks to you about abuse, neglect or mistreatment they're experiencing, it’s important that you remain calm and reassuring so that the child feels listened to
All disclosures must be taken serious and reported to Children’s Social Care.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse falls into several different categories.
These can include the following:
- Physical abuse - deliberating hurting a child. For example hitting, punching or physical chastisement, causing injuries such as bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts
- Emotional abuse - ongoing emotional maltreatment of a child including rejection, constantly threatening or criticising a child so that they feel unloved and worthless. This can also include exposure to domestic abuse in the home
- Sexual abuse - forcing or persuading a child to take part in sexual activities, including inappropriate touching, kissing or sexual intercourse. This can also involve causing a child to look at or be involved in pornographic material
- Exploitation - using a child for gain either sexual or criminal
- Neglect - failure to care for a child’s basic daily needs including food, clothing, medical care, shelter, keeping them safe, education and nurturing
See different types of abuse on the NSPCC website.
Signs to look out for
This is not a full list but could include:
- unusual injuries including bruises, burns, fractures, bite marks or signs of self-harm
- consistently poor hygiene, poor living conditions or inappropriate clothing
communicating aggressively or using sexual language - appearing withdrawn, guarded, anxious or frightened, particularly around certain individuals
- hearing or seeing shouting, violence or intimidation
- adults keeping children from view
- unsupervised children visiting a house where only adults live
See signs of abuse on the Tackle Child Abuse campaign website
See signs of abuse that affect adults on the Social Care Institute for Excellence website
