Abuse

As a young person you have a right to be protected and be safe from harm from others and to grow up in a safe and caring environment.

What is Child abuse?

Child abuse is when a child or young person is being hurt or harmed or is not being looked after properly. This can be by a parent, carer, family member, family friend or anyone a young person comes into contact with.

Child abuse can be many things:

  • Being hit, or kicked
  • Not being properly looked after or fed
  • Being criticised, ignored or humiliated
  • Being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable
  • Being frightened when left alone without an adult to look after you
  • Being sexually abused (this can include inappropriate sexual behaviour, language or assault.)

Sometimes parents, carers or other adults need help and support in dealing with children and you sharing information might help them to get it.

What should I do?

You should talk to someone you feel you can trust and who you know will help you. This might be a parent or carer, teacher, school nurse, social worker or the police.

Remember if the person you first speak to does not help or does not believe you then speak to someone else.