Child abuse information & sexual abuse issues from the NSPCC

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What is child abuse?: Sexual abuse; Physical abuse; Bullying; Neglect; Domestic violence; Emotional abuse

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is the term used when an adult harms a child or a young person under the age of 18.

Big girl hugging little girl If you are a child or a young person, you can read more about what is child abuse on the ChildLine website.

Child abuse can take four forms, all of which can cause long term damage to a child: physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and child sexual abuse. Bullying and domestic violence are also forms of child abuse.

A child may be experiencing abuse if he or she is:

frequently dirty, hungry or inadequately dressed
left in unsafe situations or without medical attention
constantly "put down", insulted, sworn at or humiliated
seems afraid of parents or carers
severely bruised or injured
displays sexual behaviour which doesn't seem appropriate for their age
growing up in a home where there is domestic violence
living with parents or carers involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse

Remember, this list does not cover every child abuse possibility. You may have seen other things in the child's behaviour or circumstances that worry you.

Abuse is always wrong and it is never the young person's fault.

Adults

If in doubt, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Our counsellors are all trained child protection officers and can discuss child sexual abuse issues with you. They can give you expert advice and will take action to protect the child if necessary.

Children and young people

ChildLine is the free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. You can call us on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem - our counsellors are always here to help you sort it out.