How to spot the signs of child abuse and where to get help

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If you've witnessed an assault or think a child is in immediate danger contact the police on 999 or call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 without delay.

What is child abuse?

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) says child abuse is when a child is harmed by an adult or another child.

It can happen over a period of time but can also be a one-off action.

The child protection charity says a child could "experience harm in a family environment, or in an institution or community setting such as a school or sports club. They may know the person who is abusing them or, more rarely, experience abuse from a stranger."

It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.

How to spot the signs of child abuse

The signs of child abuse aren't always obvious, and a child might not feel able to tell anyone what's happening to them. Sometimes, children don't even realise that what's happening to them is abuse, says the NSPCC.

There are different types of child abuse and the signs that a child is being abused may depend on the type.

Common signs of child abuse include:

  • Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality

  • Becoming withdrawn

  • Seeming anxious

  • Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive

  • Lacks social skills and has few friends, if any

  • Poor bond or relationship with a parent

  • Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age

  • Running away or going missing

  • Always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body.

The NSPCC warns that the signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behaviour.

What should I do if I'm worried about a child?

If a child is in immediate danger always contact the police on 999 right away.

There are many helplines and organisations a concerned person can call if you suspect a child is being abused.

The NSPCC

The NSPCC is the UK's leading children’s charity, who help children who've been abused, protect children at risk, and find the best ways to prevent child abuse from ever happening.

The NSPCC has a specialist team who will listen, advise and take any action needed.

You can contact the NSPCC Helpline at any time everyday by calling 0808 800 5000, emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk or completing our report abuse online form.

The Government

The government also has a service where you can report abuse online.

The person who answers your call will decide how to assist you. They may gather more information, ask a social worker to look into it, or contact the police, if they think the child is at immediate risk or a crime has been committed.

The children’s social care team will tell you what happens next, but they will not be able to give you any confidential information.

You don’t need to be sure that a child or young person has been abused - it’s OK to report a suspicion.

ChildLine

ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people.

You can contact ChildLine in these ways via phone on 0800 1111, send an email, have a 1-2-1 chat, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards. You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small.

If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.

Stop it Now!

Stop it Now! aims to stop child sexual abuse by encouraging abusers and potential abusers to seek help and by giving adults the information they need to protect children effectively and believes sexual abuse is preventable and challenges adults to create a society that no longer tolerates the sexual abuse of children.

You can contact them on 0808 1000 900, send an email, or use their live chat.

What can I do if I'm not sure?

If you think a child might be being abused but they haven't said anything to you, there are things you can do which can help.

  • Talk to the child - Most children who're being abused find it very difficult to talk about. Or might not have somebody in their life they trust. Keep talking to them to help build a positive, trusting relationship. They may come to you when they're ready to talk.

  • Keep a diary Keeping note of your concerns and how the child is behaving can help you spot patterns of behaviour and keep a track of what's been happening.

  • Talk to their teacher or health visitor - They may have spotted signs or noticed they're acting differently.

  • Speak to other people - Talking about your worries with someone you trust will help you get someone else's perspective. Sharing your concerns may help you feel more confident about taking the next steps.

  • Talk to us - Our Helpline are here to listen to your concerns and offer support and advice. You can contact us anonymously if it makes you feel more comfortable.